US (MI): Lawmakers to provide fast solution for frosted growers
The USDA estimates damage to be in the region of $225 million. This is equal to a 5% loss state-wide, but certain areas are harder hit than others - Southwest Michigan is particularity bad.
Many of the growers involved did not have insurance as their crops are considered to be 'specialty' crops that are not covered.
Keith Creagh, director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development said that growers need to at least know that some sort of help is on the way.
This, to start with, is all that is likely to happen. it usually takes around a year for help to arrive as studies are carried out to see what damage there is. The final analysis can not be made until after the harvest has been carried out.
However, state Rep. Al Pscholka, R-Stevensville, said he wants aid, or at least a program, in place sooner rather than later.
"We're hopeful we cut it down, get this thing done in 60 days," he said.
The Berrien County legislator said he hopes to expedite the process by using both state and farmer assessments of crop loss. "Growers know what's going on their own fields," he said.
Pscholka said he doesn't envision the state just handing out money to farmers. "I don't see us doing like a grant program," he said, but rather "maybe some low interest loans."
Jennifer Holton, director of communications for the state agriculture department said that legislation could be unveiled this week that will deal with the fall out from the crisis.
If approved, the bills would allow the state to work with commercial lenders to help lock in some very low interest rates for farmers.
Source: mlive.com
