Tennessee Governor Bredesen Requests Federal Farm Assistance For Giles, Lawrence and Warren Counties

05/07/2008 -- Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen has requested a federal designation of agricultural disaster for Giles, Lawrence and Warren counties due to April 11 tornadoes that caused extensive farm damages.

A designation from the U.S. Department of Agriculture would allow farmers in these counties who suffered damages to apply for low-interest emergency loans to help them manage losses and recover during the growing season. Bredesen made the request in a letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer.

“These are strong agricultural counties and farmers in these areas need assistance as quickly as possible to make the most of the growing season that’s already upon them,” said Bredesen. “I want to ensure that any federal assistance that will help them rebuild and recover is made available to them as soon as possible.”

Farmers in these counties reported extensive damages to barns and other farm structures, lost equipment and livestock, downed fences, scattered debris, downed trees and damages to pastures and cropland.

Once a county is approved, eligible farmers can apply for low-interest emergency loans and other possible assistance through their local USDA Service Center.

For a weekly report on crop conditions across the state, visit www.nass.usda.gov/tn. The U.S. Department of Agriculture makes this report available every Monday after 3 p.m. CST.

Source: Tennessee Governor

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