DAVIS REQUESTS SUPPORT FROM AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT TO EXTEND CUT-OFF DATE FOR DISASTER ASSISTANCEOctober 16, 2007

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Rep. Lincoln Davis, Tennessee's lone member of the House Agriculture Committee, has drafted a letter with the support of the Tennessee Congressional delegation asking the U.S. Department of Agriculture to support legislation extending the current cut-off date for livestock and crop disaster assistance to December 31, 2007. As it now stands, Tennessee farmers are eligible for disaster assistance for damage caused prior to February 28, 2007.

"The devastating freeze and this historic drought have put our farmers in a perilous situation," Davis said. "Farmers are at the heart of Tennessee's economy, and we must do all we can to make sure they can meet the needs of their families and continue to provide an abundant harvest for all of us."

Congressman Davis recently brought to Tennessee the Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee to draw national attention to the devastating effects the drought and the freeze have had on our nurseries and farms. Chairman Collin Peterson agreed with Congressman Davis that immediate assistance is needed for Tennessee farmers.

According to the Tennessee Valley Authority, the five month period from January to May 2007 is the driest time period Tennessee has seen in 118 years. The drought continues to be a problem as we begin the fall season. Currently, 61 percent of Tennessee is classified as "exceptional" on the U.S. Drought Monitor.