Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker and
Congressman Lincoln Davis have written Secretary of Agriculture Edward
Schafer urging him to approve the Governor’s request for an agricultural
disaster declaration in Giles, Lawrence, and Warren Counties. The
request comes after the April 11th tornadoes caused extensive damage to
farms. A designation from USDA would allow qualifying farmers to apply
for low-interest emergency loans.

The lawmakers letter to Secretary Schafer said that across these three
counties, farmers have reported damage to barns and other farm
structures, lost equipment and livestock, downed fences and trees,
scattered debris, and damage to pastures and croplands the letter to
Secretary Schafer states. These are three strong agricultural counties
and farmers in these areas need assistance as quickly as possible in
order to make the most of the growing season that is already upon them.

“Tennessee farmers have had a rough go of it lately, and it’s important
that we help them as much as we can,” said Alexander. “I hope that USDA
will grant swift approval to the governor’s request so that farmers in
these tornado-ravaged counties can start getting the help they need to
get back on their feet.”

“Tornadoes have caused extensive damage to homes, businesses and
farmland across our state this year,” Senator Corker said. “Emergency
assistance loans will provide qualifying farmers in Giles, Lawrence and
Warren counties with access to funds so they can begin restoring their
damaged property and return to normal production. I’m proud to join my
Tennessee congressional colleagues in supporting Governor Bredesen’s
request and I hope Secretary Schafer will approve it as soon as
possible.”

“Farmers, along with hundreds of others, have endured great losses the
past year, with this most recent disaster coming at the worst possible
time,” said Congressman Davis, Tennessee’s sole member on the House
Agriculture Committee. “We are asking the Agriculture Department to help
our family farms during this critical time by providing low-interest
loans.”

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