FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 27, 2021
Contact: Hannah Packman, 303.819.8737
hpackman@nfudc.org
WASHINGTON – The House Agriculture Committee today approved a disaster bill that would broaden the assistance available to farmers and ranchers affected by extreme weather events. In addition to extending the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (WHIP+), the WHIP+ Milk Loss Program, and the On-Farm Storage Loss Program for 2020 and 2021, the legislation would also expand the causes of loss covered by WHIP+ and streamline its administration.
As farmers across the West endure severe drought, wildfires, and unusually high temperatures, it is critical that U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) assistance programs can effectively respond – particularly because these and other environmental challenges are expected to become more frequent and extreme with climate change. In a statement, National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew welcomed the committee’s action and urged passage of the bill.
“We sincerely appreciate the House Agriculture Committee’s commitment to addressing the losses farmers and ranchers are suffering due to natural disasters.
“This year, a severe drought blanketing the Western half of the country is forcing some to make financially and emotionally painful decisions like fallowing their land or selling off their herds. Unfortunately, these kinds of extreme weather events are only expected to worsen in the years to come – making it harder and harder for farmers to stay in business.
“Our disaster assistance programs will need to keep up with the growing pressures our members are facing.Today, the House Agriculture Committee made the right move by advancing this bill to help ensure that we have access to the support we need in a timely manner. Given the urgency of the matter, the House and Senate should act quickly to pass this measure.”
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National Farmers Union advocates on behalf of nearly 200,000 American farm families and their communities. We envision a world in which farm families and their communities are respected, valued, and enjoy economic prosperity and social justice.
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