FROM: U.S. REPRESENTATIVE DAVE CAMP’S WEBSITE
Washington, D.C. – Earlier this month, Congressman Dave Camp (R-MI) signed a bipartisan letter spearheaded by Congressman Dan Benishek (R-MI) to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack supporting Governor Rick Snyder’s request for a federal disaster declaration for Michigan farmers. The declaration will expedite aid for farmers hurt by the extreme weather conditions this past winter and spring.
Camp called for the relief following a tour of two northern Michigan orchards affected by the winter snow and spring frost. Because of the harsh weather, growers will likely lose an estimated 90 percent of their apple, cherry and peach crop, 86 percent of their juice grape crop and 10 percent of their asparagus crop. The damage across Michigan is estimated to exceed $220 million.
After the tour, Camp emphasized the importance of ensuring that state and federal officials work together throughout the process: “Having seen the damage and talked with local farmers, it is clear they are facing significant immediate and long-term challenges. Lawmakers in Lansing and Washington must work together to ensure Michigan growers get both the peace of mind and help they need to begin to move forward,” Camp said.
