Walker appeals for Federal assistance for hard-hit farmers

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker is seeking federal help for fruit growers and maple syrup producers that suffered catastrophic loss to their crops. If approved, they could receive federal assistance.

Earlier this year, the one-two punch of early warm spring time weather, follow by several nights of frost, clobbered many Wisconsin fruit crops, including apples. Tom Ferguson is the president of the Wisconsin Apple Growers Association. He says overall, state apple growers lost 70 to 80 percent of their crop. “This is the year we’re probably going to need a little help. You know, it’s a long time… it means almost two full years between crops. It’s going to take a little doing to try and make it that long.”

Gov. Walker is also asking for a disaster designation for maple syrup producers in 14 counties, mostly in northern Wisconsin. Late February’s winter thaw, followed by cold April temperatures, made for poor conditions to tap sap from maple trees. Gretchen Grape is the executive director of the Wisconsin Maple Syrup Producers Association. She says this spring was the worst she and her husband has seen in their over 50 years in the business. “Any funding would be greatly appreciated, I’m sure. I know we normally make 300-400 gallons a year, and we made only like 50 or 60, so that’s why I’m classifying ours as a total disaster.”

Before Wisconsin fruit growers and maple syrup producers can apply for help, USDA field agents will inspect areas in the state to help U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack decide whether to approve Walker’s disaster designation requests.