BISMARCK, N.D. - North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson says a federal disaster declaration for all of North Dakota's 53 counties means producers across the state will be eligible for the new disaster program under the 2008 farm bill.
"The permanent disaster program is an important component of the Farm Bill that the North Dakota congressional delegation and the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture fought hard for," Johnson said. "The provisions of that program will be important to North Dakota producers who suffered produc-tion losses."
Johnson said the disaster declaration had been sought for 39 North Dakota coun-ties. Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer approved the disaster designation Wednesday, for all of them, plus 14 adjoining counties.
"Thanks to the action of Secretary Schafer, all North Dakota farmers and ranch-ers will be eligible for low interest loans and other relief measures," Johnson said. "The action is certainly justified, considering the widespread crop losses and dam-age during the 2008 growing season."
The disaster declaration cited multiple disasters, including frosts, drought, gen-eral lack of timely precipitation, insects, diseases, flooding, hail and high winds.
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"Producers who need assistance should contact their local Farm Service Agency office as soon as possible to begin the loan process," Johnson said.
