Duncan Proposes Program To Aid Drought-Stricken Farmers

eap.pr 97-281 Contact: David Weaver, 301-217-6530
or David Edgerley, 301-217-2345

DUNCAN PROPOSES PROGRAM
TO AID DROUGHT-STRICKEN FARMERS For Immediate Release: Sept. 11, 1997

A $500,000 drought-relief package to aid local farmers impacted by this summer's
extended dry spell was proposed today by County Executive Douglas M. Duncan.
The Emergency Assistance Program (EAP), as presented by Duncan, would provide
money to help impacted farmers stabilize and maintain continued operations. The assistance
would be in the form of grants to farmers to be administered by the Montgomery County
Department of Economic Development Agricultural Services Division.
Funds may come from the County's Economic Development Fund ($100,000) and
interest income from the County's Agricultural Easement Program ($400,000). Use of the
funds must be approved by the County Council and State Department of Agriculture.
Duncan, who made the announcement today at Pleasant Valley Farm in Brookeville
surrounded by farmers and agricultural leaders, said he has written to the State secretary of
Agriculture requesting authorization to use interest income from the Agricultural Easement
program.
"The EAP is designed to help ease the pain and economic impact of this devastating
drought -- the worst here in 30 years -- by offsetting production costs incurred by farmers,"
Duncan said.

"Although our agricultural economy is in good economic health generally, some
segments are fragile," Duncan said, referring to operations producing traditional crops (corn,
soybeans, wheat, hay), vegetables, small fruit and livestock. Such enterprises control the bulk
of land in the County's agricultural reserve (62,600 acres), but generate just 10 to 12 percent
of all agricultural revenues.
"These farmers, who customarily show a relatively small return per unit have been
particularly hard hit by the drought, and they need help to get through this," the Executive
said. County officials are concerned that if traditional agricultural producers are forced out of
business, the agricultural reserve could be devastated.
The largest loss was experienced by farmers growing corn for grain and silage-- 60
percent of the 12,000 acres were impacted, resulting in a loss of $2.1 million. Growers of
sweet corn and hay both experienced 50 percent losses, resulting in $2.8 and $2.5 million
respectively. The soybean crop experienced a 40 percent loss, totaling $1.6 million. County
officials estimate that total farm losses in Montgomery County this summer range from $15 to
$20 million. The impact on fruit products and nursery crops may not be known until next
year.
Montgomery County has 90,000 acres in agricultural reserve. The local agricultural
community contributes more than $285 million annually to the county's economy and employs
more than 10,000 persons each year.
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