WASHINGTON (July 29, 2002) – National Farmers Union applauds recent congressional efforts to address agricultural losses due to natural disasters.

"Drought, floods, pests and disease continue to sweep across the country, leaving farmers and ranchers in a desperate situation," said NFU President Dave Frederickson. "Agriculture producers need help now, and we appreciate the efforts of certain lawmakers to provide this assistance."

S.2800, introduced Thursday by Sens. Max Baucus and Conrad Burns, of Montana, and Tom Daschle and Tim Johnson of South Dakota, provides comprehensive assistance for crop and livestock production or quality losses for 2001 and 2002 crop years.

"Farmers Union specifically commends Sens. Baucus and Burns for leading efforts for disaster assistance," Frederickson said. The Montana senators introduced a disaster assistance amendment to the Senate farm bill, but the legislation was removed in conference under pressure from House leadership and the White House.

"The farm bill provided a very strong safety net for producers, but that farm bill assumed that they would have something to sell," Frederickson said. "And unfortunately, because of natural disasters there will not be much to sell for many producers. For this reason, it is important that emergency disaster assistance be passed as soon as possible."

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