USDA Announces Start of Crop Disaster Payments

More than $1.1 billion will be distributed.

March 16, 2001
Contact: Marjory Walker
(901) 274-9030

WASHINGTON (Special) - Payments of more than $1.1 billion under USDA's Crop Disaster Program began March 16, according to announcement by Ag Secretary Veneman.

About 450,000 applications from 160,000 farmers have been approved, and more are expected. Final payments and statewide totals will be announced when all payments are made.

"American farmers are still feeling the pressure of low prices, and, in many cases, the effects of natural disasters," said Veneman. "These payments will assist farmers in this difficult time."