SNOWE, COLLINS, ALLEN, MICHAUD BACK EFFORT TO HELP MAINE FARMERS HURT BY EXCESSIVE RAIN AND COLD WEATHER

Washington, DC – Senators Olympia Snowe (R-ME) and Susan Collins (R-ME) and Representatives Tom Allen (D-ME) and Michael Michaud (D-ME) have asked Mike Johanns, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), to approve a request to declare Androscoggin, Aroostook, Cumberland, Hancock, Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Oxford, Piscataquis, Sagdahoc, Waldo, Washington and York Counties agricultural disaster areas.

"Excessive rainfall and cold weather can be devastating to fruit and vegetable farmers," said the delegation in a joint statement. "Maine farmers are already dealing with tremendous adversity, and denying them this aid could destroy any chance they might have at a profitable season. It is critical that we help these farmers as soon as we can in order to keep their farms financially viable and producing the crops that Maine and America depend on."

The disaster request cites extensive production and physical losses that farmers have suffered due to excessive rainfall and cold weather during the growing season. If approved, Maine farmers would be eligible for disaster aid for crop losses suffered during the disaster period.

Snowe, Collins, Allen and Michaud are sending a formal letter of support to USDA Secretary Mike Johanns asking that he approve the disaster request and expedite efforts to bring financial aid to Maine farmers.