SENATORS CRAVINS AND GAUTREAUX URGE ELIGIBLE FARMERS
TO APPLY FOR FEDERAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE

  District 24 State Senator Don Cravins, Jr (D-Opelousas) and District 26 State Senator Nick Gautreaux (D-Meaux) are urging farmers to apply for federal disaster assistance that is now available to eligible farmers in St. Landry Parish. The United States Department of Agriculture recently declared the parish a contiguous natural disaster area because of recent flooding and excessive rainfall.

  "In this time of natural disaster, it is important that the government do all it can to assist our valuable industry," said Senator Cravins.

  "Farmers who have suffered crop losses should begin the application process as soon as possible to make sure they have every opportunity to get the federal assistance they deserve," Sen. Gautreaux said. "Farmers should contact their local Farm Service Agency to apply."

  The Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act makes low-interest loans available to farmers who have experienced crop losses because natural disasters. Eligibility for the loans is based on the extent of the losses, security available and repayment ability.

  In addition to St. Landry Parish, farmers in Avoyelles, Concordia, Iberville, St. Martin, West Baton Rouge and West Feliciana parishes are eligible for the disaster assistance. Help is also available in Point Coupee Parish, the primary natural disaster area. http://senate.la.gov/CravinsJr/.