AUDIO: Georgia Farmers Still Waiting on Congress and Administration

(WASHINGTON, DC) American farmers and ranchers have weathered several major disasters over the past two years including wildfires, a volcanic eruption, two Category 4 hurricanes, an earthquake, tornadoes, major snowstorms, and flooding. While the direct financial estimates of the damage are still being evaluated, the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) says it is possible to assess the economic contribution agriculture provides in these regions. The total economic contribution of agriculture in congressional districts where major natural disasters occurred is estimated at $83.8 billion and encompasses 419,000 direct agriculture-related jobs. To assist in the rebuilding efforts, lawmakers are considering a relief package of $3 billion, similar to one Congress passed for farmers impacted by wildfires and hurricanes in 2017. Though the House has passed a bill, it has failed in the Senate. Georgia Rep. Austin Scott (GA-8), speaking on the House floor last week, urged the White House and Congress to put partisan politics aside and support the farmers they seem to have abandoned.

AUDIO PACKAGE

For many Georgia farmers, ranchers and landowners, Hurricane Michael is a storm that just keeps on giving. Rep. Austin Scott (GA-R) represents the 8th Congressional District of Georgia – one of the hardest hit – and explains what happened six months ago…
Cut 1 (http://www.paramountbroadcasting.com/audio/AllAgActualities/19C50.mp3): Q:…it was all gone.”

Days after the hurricane hit, President Trump visited the region and Vice President Pence spoke to farmers directly at the Sunbelt Ag Expo in Moultrie (mole-tree) and said the administration would be there to help the area recover…
Cut 2 (http://www.paramountbroadcasting.com/audio/AllAgActualities/19C51.mp3): Q:…was going to be okay.”

So what happened in the days, weeks and now months after that visit?
Cut 3 (http://www.paramountbroadcasting.com/audio/AllAgActualities/19C52.mp3): Q:…for disaster assistance.”

Scott says Michael was a storm but the inaction is a disaster…
Cut 4 (http://www.paramountbroadcasting.com/audio/AllAgActualities/19C53.mp3): Q:…these rural communities.”

And other industries are facing collateral damage…
Cut 5 (http://www.paramountbroadcasting.com/audio/AllAgActualities/19C54.mp3): Q:…they’ve reached that limit.”

The problem, according to Scott, is that the effects are permanent…
Cut 6 (http://www.paramountbroadcasting.com/audio/AllAgActualities/19C55.mp3): Q:…that much worse.”

The help, he says, is a phone call away and is pleading with farmers and ranchers from across the country to just pick up the phone…
Cut 7 (http://www.paramountbroadcasting.com/audio/AllAgActualities/19C56.mp3): Q:…passed, right now.”

This question remains: if the administration and legislature are not going to help the way they promised producers in the Southeast, what does this spell for producers being affected by severe snowstorms, flooding, and wildfires today? Rep. Austin Scott is a member of the House Agriculture Committee.