The letter follows a personal request from Grassley to Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman earlier in the week.
"Iowa is feeling the effects of a drought. As I travel through Iowa as part of my annual trip to every county in the state, I'm seeing evidence of very little rain to help the crops during a very hot season," Grassley said. "Farming is a risky business. A business that relies on good weather for a good crop. This federal assistance is very much needed for Iowa's farmers."
Grassley's letter to Veneman follows here.
July 24, 2002
The Honorable Ann M. Veneman
Secretary of Agriculture, USDA
1400 Independence Ave, S.W. Stop 0101
Washington, D.C. 20250
Dear Secretary Veneman:
I am writing to request your assistance in approving the state of Iowa for Conservation Reserve Program emergency haying and grazing. You have already approved a similar opportunity for 18 other states and it is my hope you approve the same opportunity for the state of Iowa.
The announcement by USDA makes CRP participants statewide in the 18 states eligible if the state committee determines conditions warrant release without waiting for county approval. The state of Iowa is surrounded by the states that have been approved for this type of relief. In fact, three of the states which you have approved (Minnesota, Nebraska, an South Dakota) border the state of Iowa.
Iowa has been subjected to the same weather patterns as our neighboring states. During these trying times I want to guarantee that Iowa's farmers have the same opportunities to receive expedited federal assistance as farmers outside the state of Iowa.
My office has received a number of phone calls from farmers asking for the release of CRP for haying and grazing. I believe it would be in Iowa's best interest to approve this type of relief and allow the State Farm Service Agency committee an opportunity to make timely decisions.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Chuck Grassley
United States Senator