Statement On USDA Approval Of Farm Service Agency Request

Statement

Rep. Todd Rokita (IN-04) issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of Agriculture approved the State of Indiana's request for disaster declaration. Fifty-three of Indiana's ninety-two counties were granted a disaster declaration. The request came after Indiana farmers sustained a significant amount of crop damage due to the heavy rain earlier this summer:

"This is a positive step forward to help ensure that Hoosier farmers can get back on their feet. This much needed assistance will make emergency loans available to help producers replace or restore essential property, pay production costs associated with the flooding, pay essential family living expenses, help reorganize farming operations, and refinance certain debts.

"I personally visited these farms and saw for myself the negative impacts the rain waters had on the land and on the agriculture industry. However, I am confident Hoosier farmers will bounce back thanks to their strong work ethic and resiliency. Agriculture is an important asset to the Hoosier economy and I am glad to see so many farmers are now able to receive the assistance they need," said Rep. Rokita.

Last night, Rep. Rokita spoke with farmers about when to expect the U.S. Department of Agriculture's approval at an event organized by the Indiana Soybean Alliance.

The disaster declaration provides low-interest emergency loans that can be used to offset some of the costs incurred due to the flood damage earlier this summer.

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