Congressman Cleaver Announces Victory for Missouri Farmers Needing Disaster Relief from the 2012 Drought

WASHINGTON, DC – Today Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II announces that the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Secretary Tom Vilsack have provided the flexibility previously requested within the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP). In a letter sent last month, Congressman Cleaver asked the Secretary to provide support for those Missouri livestock producers applying for aid after the devastating losses suffered during the 2012 drought.

Livestock producers were met with both historic drought and all-time high costs of feed and hay in 2012. This spring, as producers applied at their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices for the LFP, many found that an unintended error in their annual crop reports caused them to be deemed ineligible. Many producers have diversified production and were required to annually report their total acreage and intended use for the land to receive payments from other commodity programs. Now, USDA will allow state FSA offices and county committees to review applications on a case by case basis and submit additional documentation, giving producers the opportunity to recover some of their losses from the devastating 2012 drought.

"I am delighted that the Secretary's willingness to work with our Missouri farmers to secure disaster assistance after the paralyzing drought," stated Congressman Cleaver. "This is a critical issue for the thousands of Missouri's Fifth District livestock producers which has resulted in millions in economic losses for them and the local economy. This announcement from the USDA is an excellent first step, but make no mistake, we acknowledge that there is still more work to be done as farmers attempt to regain their livelihood. I look forward to continuing to work with the Secretary."

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and also serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus.