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fort is intended to guarantee that there are adequate food supplies and that farmers receive adequate assistance during this difficult period.
While the nation’s attention has been fixed on the Mid-West, Virginia officials at the county, state and federal level are working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to minimize the effects of the drought here. Specifically, state and federal officials have applied to USDA to expedite federal allowance of haying and grazing on land previously removed from production to reduce surpluses or enhance soil conservation. These allowances are urgently needed in the southwestern comer of Virginia, particularly Washington and Lee counties. I have contacted the appropriate officials in Richmond and at USDA to push for timely action .
In addition to these efforts, the federal government has established a toll-free hotline, 800541-3375, for questions about services in drought areas, which is available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays.
In the meantime, while we may not be able to change the weather, we can make sure that the state and federal governments work closely together to help our nation’s farmers overcome a crisis over which they have no control.
Mr. Warner is the senior U.S. Senator from Virginia. Constituents wishing to contact him may write to Hon. John W. Warner, 2313 Dirksen Senate Office Bldg., Washington, D.C. 20510.
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