Letlow Files Legislation to Strengthen Agriculture Disaster Assistance

WASHINGTON, D.C. – At the outset of the 119th Congress, Congresswoman Julia Letlow has filed two pieces of legislation aimed at strengthening disaster assistance for livestock and crawfish producers and providing increased flexibility for farmers with soybean crops covered by federal crop insurance.

The Drought Assistance Improvement Act would address shortcomings in existing relief programs for agricultural producers facing severe weather by:

• Modifying the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) to allow for one monthly payment when a Parish has 4 consecutive weeks of a Severe Drought (D2) rating and two monthly payments for 8 consecutive weeks of D2. 
• Covering crawfish under the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) for losses caused by adverse weather or drought. 
• Requiring the Secretary of Agriculture to provide documentation standards relating to decreased production of crawfish due to drought conditions, providing producers with clearer rules and a better understanding of program requirements.

“Congress should work to reform emergency assistance programs before disaster strikes, so that we can move quickly to support family farms and the entire food supply system in cases of severe weather,” said Congresswoman Julia Letlow. “I’m proud to champion Louisiana’s agriculture industry by protecting the livelihood of our farmers when droughts or other severe weather impact their operations.”

Additionally, the Quality Loss Adjustment Improvement for Farmers Act would strengthen federal crop insurance policies by requiring the Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency to establish a regional discount factor for soybean crops during severe weather events.

“Sudden crop losses due to severe weather have a heavy impact on the farmers at the heart of our nation’s food supply. By proposing much-needed flexibility and more specialized support to federal crop insurance programs, I’m fighting to ensure Louisiana farmers have the support they need when disaster strikes,” added Congresswoman Letlow.

“When disasters strike, Louisiana farmers and ranchers need assistance as soon as possible,” said Louisiana Farm Bureau President Richard Fontenot. “We’re thankful that Congresswoman Julia Letlow has not forgotten about protecting agriculture in the 119th Congress and is again filing the Drought Assistance Improvement Act to provide help when needed, not years down the road. Louisiana Farm Bureau supported this common-sense legislation when Rep. Letlow filed it last year and we stand behind her again.”

View text of the Quality Loss Adjustment Improvement for Farmers Act here and the Drought Assistance Improvement Act here.

To learn more about Congresswoman Letlow’s focus on agriculture issues, click here.

###