Washington, Apr 13, 2007 -

Congressman Patrick McHenry today issued a letter to Governor Mike Easley, requesting he petition President George W. Bush and Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns for natural disaster assistance. The federal designation will help local farmers recoup their losses due to the Easter weekend freeze.

“Over the coming days, more data will become available as to the extent of the damage across the state due to this weather,” said Congressman McHenry, in his letter to Governor Easley. “On behalf of the farmers in my Congressional District and across the state, I ask that you carefully review all data while specifically keeping a watchful eye on the specialty crops grown in Western North Carolina – which are vital to the agricultural economy of our state.”

“I respectfully request,” Congressman McHenry went on to write, “that after reviewing all collected data, you formally petition both President George W. Bush and Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns to declare the affected and eligible counties in my Congressional District – as well as the other counties across the state – as a designated natural disaster area.”

According to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture’s (NCDA) preliminary damage assessment, nursery crops suffered the highest losses at $57.9 million. Fruits and vegetables – which include apples, peaches and various berries – suffered estimated losses of $26.5 million. Other crops affected by the freeze included corn, wheat, barley and Irish potatoes.

Tenth District growers who have incurred losses should notify their local cooperative extension agent or Farm Service Agency (FSA) office as soon as possible. This is the best first step for those seeking assistance and will help officials get the information needed to prepare a disaster declaration request. Local farmers who need help locating their nearest extension agent or FSA office can contact Congressman McHenry's office toll free at 1-800-477-2576, or consult the following websites:

FSA: http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app?state=nc&agency=fsa
Extension Agents: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/index.php?page=countycenters

Federal law requires the governor of the affected state to petition the President and Secretary of Agriculture to declare that state’s eligibility for natural disaster assistance. The text of the Congressman’s letter to Governor Easley is below:

April 13, 2007

The Honorable Michael F. Easley
Governor of North Carolina
20301 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-0301

Governor Easley:

As you are aware, our state saw record-breaking cold weather throughout the Easter holiday weekend that devastated a number of farmers’ crops in my Congressional District and across the entire state.

As a result of the recent warm weather, a number of crop seeds began the blooming process earlier than anticipated. In particular, nursery stock and ornamental growers in Caldwell, Burke, Avery and Mitchell Counties saw significant damage. Apple, blueberry and strawberry growers in Cleveland, Lincoln and Catawba Counties all saw fruit seeds budding before this recent, unprecedented cold weather. With the combination of cold temperatures, strong winds and dry air, nursery stock, ornamentals and budding fruit seeds were the most vulnerable to the conditions and did not survive the freeze.

Over the coming days, more data will become available as to the extent of the damage across the state due to this weather. On behalf of the farmers in my Congressional District and across the state, I ask that you carefully review all data while specifically keeping a watchful eye on the specialty crops grown in Western North Carolina – which are vital to the agricultural economy of our state.

Additionally, I respectfully request that after reviewing all collected data, you formally petition both President George W. Bush and Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns to declare the affected and eligible counties in my Congressional District – as well as the other counties across the state – as a designated natural disaster area.

I look forward to you taking action on this urgent matter for our state. If I can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.


Sincerely,

Patrick McHenry
Member of Congress