William Helms: “On behalf of the eastern North Carolina farmers whose crops were devastated by Hurricane Bertha, I am happy to cosponsor…”

“On behalf of the eastern North Carolina farmers whose crops were devastated by Hurricane Bertha, I am happy to cosponsor this proposal to provide emergency loan assistance to farmers. On July 12, Hurricane Bertha ripped through the eastern part of North Carolina, destroying an estimated 80 percent of the State's tobacco crop and up to 90 percent of the corn crops in some counties. Cotton and soybeans also were damaged. Bertha was particularly devastating because it hit right before harvest season, ravaging crops in their most vulnerable stages. Estimates of the total damage to North Carolina agriculture continue to climb and currently stand at $188 million. Many North Carolina farmers suffered total losses of their 1996 crops. Mr. President, this amendment will provide emergency loans, approved by the USDA for farmers seeking a way to recover from the financial losses imposed by the hurricane. It will enable farmers to purchase the inputs such as fertilizer, seed, and equipment needed to put crops back into the ground. The early extension of credit to qualified farmers is essential to move them beyond this natural tragedy.”