News & Events - Archived News

[ Up ]

PAUL -- Farmers affected by Oust met with Congressional delegates Mike Simpson, Larry Craig and Mike Crapo Wednesday to once again discuss their $95 million problem.       Farmers claimed several months ago that Oust sprayed by Bureau of Land Management on fire-burned ground in August 2000 had drifted and killed or damaged about 38,000 acres of crops. An investigation headed by the Idaho Department of Agriculture indeed revealed the presence of Oust, but farmer's hopes of being compensated quickly for the loss have been dashed by the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.       "We have discussed with growers the details of how we were able to obtain $5 million in payments this year," said Senator Crapo after the meeting. "But the anti-terrorism and war efforts mean our nation is seeing drastic changes in our economic situation."       The congressmen were frank and open with the group, which met at McGregor Center at the Minidoka County Fairgrounds, said John Schorr, ag manager for the Amalgamated Sugar Company Paul factory.       Senators told growers that within a couple of weeks rules would be written regarding which growers would receive portions of the $5 million that has been appropriated by Congress, Schorr said.       Those who suffered the most severe damage would receive the largest shares of the $5 million, he said. But the group was told that it might be the next budget cycle before the balance of compensation can be found, Schorr added.       "They are willing to help us work through this," he said.       "As a delegation we will continue to work with the farmers affected by the Oust losses on their crops," Senator Craig said. "We have already been able to give them some help by shifting $5 million in Department of Interior wildfire money to the USDA's FSA account in the Agricultural Appropriations Bill. But this does not cover their losses, and the facts of liability are still emerging. As they do we will assist these producers wherever possible."       Schorr praised the congressmen for their help.       "We can't say anything but good about them," Schorr said. "To have all three of them come to a meeting shows their support and concern for the growers. They are very supportive to help us find resolutions, but it will take time to get this settled. As other options appear we will stand ready."       Congressmen told the group they would see if they could get something worked into the budget for them, said Dan Schaeffer, who is the head of a committee of growers and agricultural interests involved with the issue.       The delegation promised to be open to any other possible funding source, but Crapo told the group it is not likely that any money beyond the $5 million would be forthcoming this year.       "With the federal budget likely to run a deficit by next year, I am advising growers to look closely at all their options. We as a delegation cannot advise them on legal matters, but obviously going to court is one of those options."       Growers are still optimistic that litigation will not be necessary.       "Litigation has always been in the back of everybody's mind," Schaeffer said. "But litigation is a long process and the only one that wins is the lawyers and the courts."       While the group does not want to take the matter to court growers are preparing for the possibility, he said.       "We believe 100 percent we have a strong case," Schaeffer said.