Massachusetts Congressman Jim McGovern plans to advocate for more federal assistance to area farmers who’ve been hit by tough weather this year.
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Speaking Wednesday at Kitchen Garden Farm in Sunderland, McGovern said both the ongoing drought and a February cold snap have had serious impacts.
“This year has kind of been like a perfect storm for farmers,” McGovern said. “In addition to what is available to them through USDA — some grant assistance, mostly loansĀ — we need to look at whether we can try to provide some disaster assistance.”
The Worcester Democrat said he’ll ask the Obama administration to dedicate funds to Massachusetts farmers in an end-of-the-year spending bill. He did not specify an amount, but said the help could come through direct grants or loan forgiveness.