Oklahoma Pecan Farmers Get Federal Aid

NewsOn6.com

TULSA, OK -- The feds have approved federal aid for Oklahoma's pecan farmers who were hard hit by inclement weather over the last year.

Governor Brad Henry originally requested a disaster declaration in November, citing the impact of the 2007 ice storm, cold weather in April and October of 2008, and heavy rains from Hurricanes Gustav and Ike last September.

"Our pecan farmers were hit by just about every weather challenge imaginable and suffered losses accordingly," said Gov. Brad Henry. "The federal aid won't solve all of their problems, but it is a step in the right direction."

The U.S. Agriculture Secretary approved disaster declarations for 40 counties, including Coal, Craig, Creek, Haskell, Hughes, Lincoln, McCurtain, McIntosh, Mayes, Muskogee, Nowata, Okfuskee, Okmulgee, Osage, Ottawa, Pawnee, Pittsburg, Rogers, Tulsa, Wagoner and Washington.

Farmers in contiguous counties are also eligible for aid under the declarations.