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STATE AGRICULTURE COMMUNITY MOBILIZING TO AID SOUTHERN NEIGHBORS The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA), along with leaders of the West Virginia Farm Bureau (WVFB), the West Virginia Cattleman's Association (WVCA) and the West Virginia Poultry Association (WVPA) are calling on members of the state agricultural community for donations to the West Virginia Farmers' Assistance and Relief for Katrina (ARK) fund. "At this point, the most basic of farm supplies are in short supply or non-existent. I have been told there is no emergency fuel available for agricultural use, very little livestock feed available and hardly a fence left standing," said Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass. "There is still a chance that livestock can be contained and that some of the fall crops can be harvested, reducing overall economic losses, but planning for agriculture's future in the Gulf states needs to begin now." Preliminary estimates by professional economists peg agricultural losses in the region at no less than $2 billion. According to WVFB Executive Secretary Bob Williams, "We are looking at sources of emergency funding, but are hoping that West Virginians will immediately begin making donations to get the ball rolling. The need is desperate and it is urgent. There is still the opportunity to salvage some of the agricultural assets that have been hit so hard, and rebuilding these industries will be critical to the overall recovery of the region." WVCA Executive Secretary Jim Bostic said that West Virginia farmers know about natural disasters all too well. "Our hearts go out to the people who have lost most, if not all, they have worked all their lives to build," Bostic said. "I'm certain our members will be behind this effort 100 percent. Farmers always seem to be willing to help other farmers when the call comes. This is the call." WVFB will be collecting ARK donations, which will be used to buy as much material as possible. WVDA trucks will deliver the supplies when that becomes feasible. Checks should be made payable to the West Virginia Farm Bureau Foundation and should be mailed to: WVFB, Attn: WVFARK, 1 Red Rock Road, Buckhannon, WV 26201. Details and updates about the program, including a possible don ation by credit card option, can be found at www.wvfarm.org\wvfark.ht. Commissioner Douglass also said the WVDA stands ready to provide emergency response vehicles to the area, including emergency animal containment fencing and trailers outfitted with communications equipment. "We are awaiting formal requests to our state for that type of assistance, and if that request comes, I'm certain that members of the staff will be willing to deliver those vehicles and provide assistance," he said. For more information, contact WVDA Communications Officer Buddy Davidson at 558-3708, or WVFB Communications Director Shelly Courtney at 472-2080, ext. 16.
The West Virginia Department of Agriculture protects plant, animal and human health through a variety of scientific, regulatory and consumer protection programs, as mandated by state law. The Commissioner of Agriculture is one of six statewide elected officials in West Virginia. Currently, Commissioner Gus R. Douglass is the longest-serving agriculture commissioner in the nation. For more information, visit www.wvagriculture.org. |
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