More federal agricultural relief needed for western states, say Newhouse

U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) joined 44 other lawmakers in a bipartisan, bicameral effort to support more farmers, ranchers and other agriculture producers in the western United States impacted by ongoing extreme weather and catastrophic wildfires. 

“Due to the severity of the ongoing situation, we believe that additional federal assistance will be needed beyond what can be offered through current USDA drought relief programs,” Rep. Newhouse and his colleagues wrote in a July 27 letter sent to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack.

“Therefore, in an effort to provide financial and other assistance to these producers, we respectfully request USDA explore all potential flexibilities for additional relief within existing programs and identify other options to deliver federal relief to producers in our states so they have the resources to overcome the extreme drought and heat crisis,” they wrote.

Among the lawmakers who also signed the letter were U.S. Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT) and U.S. Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-WA), who pointed out that in addition to ongoing droughts, low soil moisture and wildfires, an extreme heat wave hit the Pacific Northwest in June, with temperatures reaching as high as 120 degrees Fahrenheit. 

“Unfortunately, many of the producers who suffered the greatest heat-related losses were either located in counties not covered by [USDA] drought designations, experienced losses not covered by drought assistance programs, or both,” Rep. Newhouse and his colleagues wrote. “Additional heat waves are expected to hit the western and central states in late July and droughts are predicted to last through October.” 

While the extent of the related damages has yet to be fully determined, agricultural producers expect these impacts to be severe, they wrote, noting that in the Pacific Northwest and West, berry crops, tree fruits, grain and pulse crops, potatoes, hops, dairy products, forage crops, wine grapes, nursery crops, poultry, beef cattle, and general livestock already have experienced excessive heat impacts to yield and quality. 

Rep. Newhouse and the lawmakers also invited USDA to work with Congress on providing technical assistance as they develop additional authorities and appropriations to address the 2020 and 2021 seasons that include wildfire, drought and excessive heat-related losses.