SENATE APPROVES SENATOR COLLINS-BACKED MEASURE TO PROVIDE DISASTER RELIEF TO MAINE FARMERS

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate approved by a voice vote a Collins-backed amendment which provides emergency disaster assistance to farmers who have suffered losses due to natural disasters. In Maine, this amendment will provide assistance to apple, potato, blueberry, corn, and hay farmers.

"Hundreds of farmers in Maine have suffered millions of dollars worth of losses due to a number of natural disasters that have affected our area over the past two years," Senator Collins said. "This piece of legislation will give farmers who have endured considerable losses the resources to recover from such disastrous conditions. Without this funding, many of Maine's farmers would struggle to survive."

This legislation provides funding for the following agricultural disaster relief programs: Crop Disaster Assistance, Livestock Assistance Program, and the Tree Assistance Program. According to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates, Maine farmers can expect to receive the following assistance as a direct result of this legislation: $6.5 million for potato farmers, $1.1 million for blueberry farmers, $500,000 to hay farmers, at least $800,000 to apple farmers.

If farmers have questions about how to qualify for the disaster relief programs, they should direct their questions to their local USDA Farm Service Agency county office.

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