Pearce and Lujan Grisham Work to Assist New Mexican Ranchers and Farmers
Washington, DC (January 21, 2016) In early January, Congressman Pearce and Congresswoman Lujan Grisham requested Secretary Vilsack to do everything he could to assist New Mexico livestock ranchers and dairy producers as they navigated applying for USDA assistance programs after experiencing massive losses due to winter storm Goliath. Last Friday, the entire New Mexican delegation reiterated these requests – urging Secretary Vilsack to approve Governor Martinez’s disaster declaration request.
“This storm was a huge blow to New Mexico’s cattle and dairy sectors and will take years to fully recover. USDA emergency assistance is vital to ensuring this industry has the tools it needs to get back on its feet. When New Mexican jobs are on the line, it takes all of us working together to ensure New Mexicans have the resources they need, which is why I was pleased to work with Congresswoman Lujan Grisham on these efforts,” said Congressman Pearce. “I thank the USDA for their ongoing assistance, and ask Secretary Vilsack to take the next step in recovery and approve the State’s request for disaster assistance,” added Pearce.
“We need urgent assistance from the USDA to help these communities and vital dairy and cattle industries that were crippled by this massive storm,” Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham said. “As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, I want to ensure USDA takes immediate action to help producers access disaster assistance programs,” added Grisham.
Congressman Pearce and Congresswoman Lujan Grisham’s letter is available HERE (1/8/16)
The New Mexico Delegation Letter is available HERE (1/15/16)