U.S. Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH) proactively alerted the administration to “unprecedented rainfall” that’s impacting agricultural growers in his home state and urged swift action on any forthcoming disaster declaration request from Ohio.
Rep. Latta in a June 13 letter sent to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue described a situation so dire that “the vast majority of farmers are unable to plant their crops this season.”
“Over the last several weeks my office has spoken to countless farmers and producers worried about the inevitable loss in crops this season,” wrote Rep. Latta. “I share their concerns and I am deeply worried about the impact this weather will have on the livelihood of farmers and the entire region.”
The congressman asked that as the U.S. Department of Agriculture begins to review the situation in Ohio, “to approve an agriculture disaster declaration and continue to support American farmers through this difficult time.”
“This is a critical issue for farmers and producers in the region,” according to Rep. Latta’s letter. “I hope you will give the agricultural disaster declaration for Ohio serious consideration and use all means within your power to ease the current uncertainty.”