News Releases for September 2002
September 17, 2002
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Hoeven: USDA Working On Expanding Drought Assistance
BISMARCK, N.D. - Governor John Hoeven today said the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is working on a plan to expand its drought assistance program. The Governor said he expects the agency to release the program within the next day or two. Hoeven will be in Washington this week to push for additional help for producers from the USDA, and also to lobby for the agriculture disaster assistance bill now before Congress.
Today’s news came in a conversation with Dale Moore, chief of staff to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman, as part of the Governor’s continuing effort to secure assistance for North Dakota farmers and ranchers affected by this summer’s severe weather related losses.
“Between drought and flooding, this has been one of the harshest seasons in memory for North Dakota producers,” Hoeven said. “The assistance we are requesting will help our farmers and ranchers to maintain their herds through the rest of the season,” Hoeven said.
Last month, the USDA authorized Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming and South Dakota farmers and ranchers collectively to receive up to $150 million in feed assistance. Hoeven has worked with the White House and USDA officials to expand aid to help farmers severely affected by drought in the southwestern counties of North Dakota.
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