SENATOR SUSAN COLLINS URGES FEDERAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE TO MAINE FARMERS

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Senator Susan Collins urged the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Dan Glickman, to act favorably on Maine's request for federal disaster assistance. Such assistance would help farmers cope with the worst drought much of Maine has experienced in more than thirty years.

"Many farmers are facing substantial losses this year because of the lack of rain," said Senator Collins. "Maine's dairy and apple farmers have been particularly hard hit by the dry conditions. The Farm Service Agency has compiled information on the severity of the drought and determined that fourteen counties in Maine meet the criteria for an agricultural disaster designation, which would make farmers affected by the drought eligible for much needed federal assistance."

Senator Collins urged Secretary Glickman that "the federal government and the U.S. Department of Agriculture must stand with Maine farmers as they work to overcome this severe drought."

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