Disaster Assistance Neither Unnecessary nor Excessive

GREAT FALLS, MT (May 25, 2007) – The Montana Farmers Union (MFU) today thanked the Montana Congressional delegation for supporting the $3 billion in agricultural disaster assistance for producers adversely affected by weather-related problems.

“There are many Montana counties with farmers and ranchers who will benefit from this support,” said MFU President Alan Merrill.

Montana Farmers Union, along with its counterparts across the country and in Washington, DC, has worked for and supported disaster assistance for numerous years.

“While the President has been quoted as saying the measure is both unnecessary and excessive, we believe it is neither, and hope that he will sign the bill quickly.”

The $3 billion in disaster assistance was included in the fiscal year (FY) 2007 Supplemental Appropriations bill and assists producers who suffered crop and livestock losses from weather-related disasters during 2005, 2006 or 2007.

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300 River Drive North • PO Box 2447 • Great Falls, MT 59403 • PHONE 406 452-6406 • FAX 406 727-8216 • TOLL FREE 1-800-234-4071