Doug Racine Asks for Blight Hearings

Farmers asking for help from the state

For Immediate Release
October 19, 2009

Contact Persons:
Mark Larson 802-355-4507
Doug Racine 802-343-5417

RICHMOND, VT–Doug Racine sent a letter Friday to the House and Senate Agricultural Chairs asking them to hold hearings on the tomato and potato blight that hit Vermont farms this year. In the letter, Racine stated, “I have been hearing from farmers that they are quite concerned about the blight that affected tomatoes and potatoes this year. Many have lost their whole crop of one or the other, and in some cases, both.”

Racine asked the chairs to examine what the state can do to support these farmers and help to make sure that the blight does not return next year. He noted that agriculture has been suffering in Vermont with low dairy prices, and this is yet another blow to Vermont farmers.

The Northeast Organic Farming Association has a guidance document for home gardeners, and the UVM extension has put out some information for farmers. However, there is still concern in the agricultural community that unless the blight is taken very seriously and proper protocols are followed, the fungus might return next year. “I’m not sure what the proper response from the state should be, but I want to make sure that we are looking into it,” Racine explained. “I want to make sure that the state government is responsive when folks ask for help.”

The letter can be found here.