[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 125 (Friday, September 29, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S10599]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         AGRICULTURAL DISASTERS

  Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. President, I rise to express my support for 
providing relief to agricultural producers nationwide.
  Earlier today Senator Conrad from North Dakota led a debate on the 
floor regarding agricultural disasters; especially the severe drought 
causing severe loss of crops all across America, and the need to extend 
a helping hand to farmers.
  We always hope to stay out of the disaster business, unfortunately 
Mr. President, this has indeed been a very unusual year. In August of 
2006, in my State of Georgia, 155 of 159 counties were designated by 
the Secretary of Agriculture as primary natural disaster areas due to 
losses caused by drought and excessive temperatures.
  Cotton and peanut harvests are underway today in the State and, 
unfortunately, the Department of Agriculture's most recent crop summary 
rates dryland fields in poor to fair condition, with much lower yields 
than usual. If peanut production forecasts are realized, we could have 
the lowest production yields on peanuts since 1980. Losses extend 
beyond the fields and have had a serious effect on livestock producers 
as well. For example, in addition to losses due to drought, many 
pastures and hayfields have experienced severe armyworm infestation.
  My staff continues to receive calls from across the State with 
concerns about crop and pasture conditions. I have personally heard the 
calls and seen the need for agricultural disaster assistance throughout 
Georgia. As chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I convened 
eight farm bill hearings across the country this summer. I will have to 
say that in traveling to these regions and visiting with the producers, 
I can report that there has been severe disasters occurring in each and 
every section of our country from an agricultural standpoint. Rural 
America is hurting.
  While the Senate did not have the opportunity today to proceed with 
the vote on this very important issue, I want to be clear that I do 
support disaster assistance. Earlier this year, the Senate passed 
disaster assistance in the fiscal year 2006 supplemental appropriations 
bill. Unfortunately, that provision was dropped in conference. Since 
then, the situation has greatly worsened. Fortunately, we currently 
have a disaster package in the Senate agriculture appropriations bill, 
which we expect to complete after the November elections.
  The appropriate place to address agriculture disaster is in the 
agriculture appropriations bill. However, we will need to refine and 
improve this disaster package based upon current circumstances. For 
example, the current disaster package provides assistance only for 
losses for the 2005 crop-year. Unfortunately, the losses in 2006 appear 
to be more extensive, more widespread, and more severe than the 2005 
losses. The University of Georgia Center for Agribusiness and Economic 
Development estimates that at this point agriculture production losses 
may total over $819 million in Georgia alone.
  At the current time, we may not know the full extent of the 2006 crop 
damage, but it is evident in looking across the country that crop and 
livestock assistance is needed.
  The Secretary of Agriculture has agreed with us on this point. 
Earlier this summer he announced in the Dakotas that a disaster indeed 
had taken place across America. However, he provided what I thought, 
frankly, was a fairly nominal response to the issue.
  America's farmers provide this country the safest, most affordable 
food and fiber supply of any country in the world. It is our duty to 
stand by them in this time of need.
  With that, I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Iowa is recognized.

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