Governor Ruth Ann Minner announced Oct. 2 that she is requesting a drought disaster declaration for Delaware farmers from the United States Department of Agriculture.
 
“If this request is granted, Delaware farmers affected by this year’s drought can receive federal assistance and become eligible for additional disaster relief funds,” Gov. Minner said. “Our farmers are vital to the continued success of our agriculture industry, and I look forward to them receiving some relief to offset the crop losses they have experienced this year.”
 
Minner’s request was based on a recommendation from Delaware Department of Agriculture Acting Secretary Austin Short, as well as an assessment by the Farm Service Agency’s Delaware Emergency Board, which estimated two-thirds of the state’s farmers have sustained losses in excess of 30 percent of their expected production in crops including corn, soybeans and hay.
 
The governor also received minutes of the state emergency board’s Aug. 14 meeting regarding drought conditions for all three Delaware counties, as well as rainfall and temperature data for the crop year.
 
Minner submitted her request through a letter to USDA Secretary Ed Schafer.