Leahy, Jeffords and Sanders Applaud USDA Decision
To Include Six Vermont Counties for Drought Relief

WASHINGTON D.C.  -- The Vermont Congressional Delegation today applauded the United States Department of Agriculture for its decision to designate six additional Vermont counties as “primary natural disaster counties.” 

The six counties now qualify for payments under the Livestock Compensation Program (LCP).  LCP compensates livestock producers, including dairymen, for losses suffered due to drought in 2001 and 2002.

    This program has already paid out nearly $3.5 million to farmers in the eight Vermont counties that were designated as primary disaster areas last year.  Farmers in the remaining six counties -- Windham, Windsor, Essex, Lamoille, Franklin and Grand Isle -- will collectively receive upwards of $3 million under the program.  

    Recognizing the importance of this program to farmers, the Vermont delegation sent a letter on October 3, 2002 to Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman, asking that farmers in the six counties be included in the program.  Continued efforts by the delegation, Gov. Howard Dean, Gov.-elect Jim Douglas and the Vermont Farm Service Agency helped illustrate the need for drought assistance for all 14 Vermont counties.      

    “Dairy and livestock farmers in these six counties deserve this disaster assistance,” said Senator Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., who is a senior member of the Agriculture Committee and chairs the Judiciary Committee.  “FSA Director Steve Kerr played the key role in making sure that our farmers got the aid they need.  This is the result of a team effort and demonstrates the effectiveness of working together.”

    “I'm pleased that the program will now cover all of our state's livestock and dairy producers.  With milk prices as low as they are, these payments couldn't come at a better time,” Sen. James M. Jeffords, I-Vt., said.  “I commend those who worked to make this happen, specifically FSA Director Steve Kerr and his staff.  More than $25 million will be paid out to Vermont farmers this year through federal programs they have administered.”

    Rep. Bernard Sanders, I-Vt., said, “It is certainly good news that the delegation has pushed USDA to do the right thing.  Our experience with this program reminds us that we are going to have to be very diligent to make sure that Vermont family farmers get the help they need and deserve from this Administration."  

- 30 -