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News Release

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State Emergency Operations Center
Doug Neville, Director of Communications
EOC News Release #17

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, September 28, 2010

CONTACT:
Michael Schommer, Communications Director
651.201.6629, Michael.schommer@state.mn.us

MDA urges farmers with flood damage to take advantage of assistance programs

ST. PAUL – As southern Minnesota continues to assess flood damage, Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) field personnel are contacting area businesses to lend a hand with the recovery process. At the same time, MDA Commissioner Gene Hugoson is encouraging affected farmers to take advantage of the assistance programs available to them.

“This flooding impacted many farms and businesses in southern Minnesota,” Commissioner Hugoson said. “Our regulatory divisions are contacting the businesses we work with, offering to help them get back into operation quickly and safely. Unfortunately, farmers living in isolated rural areas tend to have more difficulty hearing about and accessing the government services available to them. Our farmer assistance programs exist for just this purpose – to help connect farmers in crisis with the resources they need to recover.”

MDA has two primary farmer-assistance programs:

  • Minnesota Farmer Assistance Network (MFAN) provides financial guidance, technical assistance, referral to legal advice, and other forms of assistance to farm families facing serious challenges. MFAN connects farmers with resources to address their human service needs, including 24-hour crisis counseling. There is no cost to farmers for MFAN assistance. Farmers can access MFAN by calling the toll-free helpline, 1-877-898-MFAN, or by going to the program website at www.mda.state.mn.us/mfan.
  • The Farm Advocate Program provides one-on-one assistance for Minnesota farmers who face crisis caused by either a natural disaster or financial problems. Located around the state, the farm advocates are trained and experienced in agricultural lending practices, mediation, lender negotiation, farm programs, crisis counseling, and disaster programs. There is no charge or fee for Farm Advocate assistance. To get more details, call Bruce Lubitz at 218-346-4866 or visit MDA’s website at www.mda.state.mn.us/about/commissionersoffice/farmadvocates.aspx.

MDA will continue to provide information about storm recovery and assistance on its website at www.mda.state.mn.us. As always, farmers needing urgent assistance in dealing with a chemical release or other public safety issue can reach help through the Minnesota Duty Officer at 1-800-422-0798.

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