Delaware Governor Minner Requests Drought Disaster Declaration for Delaware Farmers

Aug. 22, 2007 -- Dover – Delaware Governor Ruth Ann Minner announced today that she is requesting a drought disaster declaration for Delaware farmers from the United States Department of Agriculture.

“Protecting our farmers is vital to the success of our agriculture industry,” Gov. Minner said. “The crop losses brought on by this year’s dry conditions have had a significant impact on most of Delaware’s farmers, and my request will hopefully provide them with some relief.”

Gov. Minner’s request was based on a recommendation from Delaware Department of Agriculture Secretary Michael Scuse, as well as an assessment by the Farm Service Agency’s Delaware Emergency Board, which estimated that 90 percent of the state’s farmers have sustained losses in excess of 30 percent of their expected production.

The Governor also received minutes of the State Emergency Board’s Aug. 14 meeting minutes regarding drought conditions for all three Delaware counties, as well as rainfall and temperature data for the crop year.

Based on that information, Gov. Minner wrote a letter to USDA Secretary Mike Johanns that will be mailed today.

Source: Delaware Governor