[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 19 (Thursday, February 13, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E275]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       DISASTER ASSISTANCE LOANS

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                           HON. PATSY T. MINK

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 13, 1997

  Mrs. MINK of Hawaii. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing legislation 
that will help our Nation's farmers survive disastrous outbreaks of 
plant viruses and diseases which virtually wipe out entire crops. This 
bill would ensure that crop losses resulting from plant viruses and 
other devastating plan diseases are included under the crop insurance 
program as well as the noninsured crop assistance programs and that 
agriculture producers who suffer these losses are eligible for 
emergency loans.
  The current U.S. Department of Agriculture crop insurance and 
noninsured assistance programs do not specify which crops are eligible 
for insurance. This makes our farmers very vulnerable to administrative 
reviews on whether a particular crop is eligible for assistance usually 
with negative results.
  Under current law, crop diseases are not eligible for low-interest 
emergency loans. Agriculture producers can only qualify for emergency 
loans when crop damages are caused by adverse weather conditions and 
other natural phenomena which have caused severe physical property 
damage or production losses. Since the USDA does not consider plant 
disease-virus a natural disaster, farmers are limited to USDA funds-
resources which are due to weather as causing production or physical 
losses.
  In Hawaii, nearly 300 farmers are suffering from the disastrous 
effects of the Papaya Ringspot Virus [PRV]. The disease produces lumpy, 
tasteless fruit and severely reduces production and eventually kills 
the plants. Papaya farmers estimate that they will incur $27 million of 
losses due to the loss of these PRV-infested trees.
  A similar situation is taking place in the Southwest and Southeast 
United States where wheat producers are battling the Karnal bunt 
fungus. This disease gives a fishy odor and taste to flour made from 
affected wheat. In one State alone, producers have already lost an 
estimated $25 million.
  Mr. Speaker, our Nation's farmers are the envy of the world. They 
provide us with the highest quality food and ensure that we will always 
have a stable food supply. We need to provide financial assistance when 
they are hit by disaster, natural or disease. I strongly urge my 
colleagues to support this legislation and help our farmers survive 
these natural borne disasters.

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