US (MI): Governor calls for federal disaster aid

Governor Rick Snyder said last week that he has asked for federal disaster aid to help Michigan growers with their crop losses, which have been estimated to be worth $223.5 million. However, it maybe some time yet before the farmers get the opportunity to make an application.

"Michigan's food and agriculture producers have a substantial impact on the economy, and it is important those farmers have access to additional resources, such as low-interest loans," Snyder said in a statement.

Michigan Farm Bureau horticultural expert Ken Nye estimated that Snyder's loss estimate was a conservative one and suggested it may be as high as $250 million.

Bruce Upston of Wasem Fruit Farm in Milan welcomed the governor's disaster declaration request.

"I would consider this to be about as much of a disaster as anything could be," said Upston, who said his crops of apples, tart cherries, peaches, pears and plums have been obliterated.

In his request, Snyder said 72 of Michigan's 83 counties experienced severe weather from Jan. 1 to May 11. If losses of 30 percent or more are confirmed farmers in affected counties could receive emergency loans at an interest rate of 3.75 percent to help them with their losses.

The USDA would normally declare a disaster area in Fall, after harvest, but, at least for cherries, this could come earlier as the picking is also earlier.

Source: www.detroitnews.com