COLLINS URGES USDA TO HONOR MAINE POTATO FARMERS'' INSURANCE CLAIMS

Washington, DC -- Senator Susan Collins today wrote a letter to the head of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Risk Management Agency (RMA), asking that he approve the recent insurance claims made by Maine potato farmers. These farmers are experiencing significant problems with the storage and marketing of their 2003 crop because of detrimental weather conditions in Northern Maine, particularly unusually high amounts of rainfall.

"Potato farmers are contending with adverse conditions that are out of their control - low consumer demand, low prices, and a damaging amount of rainfall during the growing season. USDA insurance benefits are an important instrument to help potato farmers make it through this difficult time," said Senator Collins. "I urge the USDA to approve Maine farmers' insurance claims quickly, so that we can begin to provide them with the assistance they need as quickly as possible."

Senator Collins' letter to the RMA bolsters today's efforts by Maine lawmakers seeking assistance for Maine potato farmers. Senator Collins also joined Maine's Congressional Delegation in supporting Governor John Baldacci's request that Aroostook, Penobscot, Franklin, and Oxford be declared agricultural disaster areas in order to receive federal aid for potato and corn farms.