While farmers attempt harvest, state and federal officials are working on securing disaster declarations. National Council of Farmer Cooperatives CEO Chuck Conner says the USDA is recognizing the need for urgency in this tough year. “I feel pretty confident we can get those requests approved quickly by Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue. I think he’s ready for them and knows they’re coming,” says Conner. “How much money is available to compensate in those areas declared disaster is yet to be determined.” Congress still needs to pass a budget. “I think it’s too early to assess what can or should be in that, because we are still in the middle of harvest,” says Conner. “Prudence says assess before request in these circumstances. Everyone has been watching the weather all year. In particular, this fall.”
News Categories
Latest RRFN Podcasts
Subscribe to RRFN
Get a weekly digest from RRFN to stay up-to-date on all the latest news in agriculture.