Secretary Naig Committed to Helping with Iowa Flooding Relief Efforts

Will meet with affected producers later this week

DES MOINES, Iowa (March 26, 2019) — Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig issued a statement in response to President Trump granting Gov. Reynolds’ request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration. This proclamation makes additional funding available to help Iowans recover from flooding in the Missouri River basin. Initial damages to the state’s agricultural industry are estimated at $214 million.

"I appreciate President Trump expediting our state’s request for emergency relief assistance. This is welcome news to many Iowans who are going through an extremely difficult time.

I want to thank Gov. Reynolds for her continued leadership, which is helping Iowans get access to aid as quickly as possible. 

My thoughts are with every Iowan affected by the spring flooding. We know that it will take time to restore the homes, businesses, communities and land that have been damaged or destroyed by the flood waters. 

I will be visiting areas affected by the flooding to help with relief efforts later this week. I’ll be joined by Senator Chuck Grassley and USDA Under Secretary Bill Northey. We'll be meeting with producers to ensure they are aware of the state and federal resources available to help them with recovery efforts. 

We recognize that we’ve got a long road ahead of us. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship will continue working closely with the governor’s office, other state agencies, the USDA, and our state’s elected officials to coordinate relief efforts. In the meantime, we know that Iowans will do what we do best — band together to help our neighbors in need."

A list of state and federal resources available to help farmers affected by the floods is available here.