WASHINGTON, DC In an effort to aid Rhode Island farmers who are suffering with the loss of their harvests following flooding in the state earlier this year, the United States Department of Agricultures (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced on Friday that all of the counties in Rhode Island will be eligible for federal disaster assistance. In July, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) sent letters to the USDA and the Senate Appropriations Committees Agriculture Subcommittee requesting federal assistance. Reed stated, The remarkable flooding that occurred throughout the state earlier this year left many of Rhode Islands farmers struggling to make it through the season. This federal funding will provide much needed assistance to these farmers and allow them to get back on their feet.The disaster declaration will allow all qualified farmers in Rhode Island eligible for low-interest emergency (EM) loans of which they have eight months to apply.The text of Reeds letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture on July 20, 2006 follows:I write in support of the state of Rhode Islands request for a disaster declaration for all five counties of the state.            Rhode Island experienced more than 16 inches of rain during the months of May and June, devastating local farms across the state.  The heavy rainfall prevented planting, swamped fields, swept away seedlings, and inhibited pollination.  Throughout all five counties, farmers are suffering harvest losses on their crops, including reports of up to 60 percent on sweet and yellow corn and 70 percent on strawberries.   The extensive damage caused by the rains has left local farmers struggling to get through this season.  I respectfully request you grant a disaster declaration for Rhode Island within all applicable rules and regulation.  Thank you for your attention to this request, and I look forward to your prompt response.The text of Reeds letter to the Senate Appropriations Committees Subcommittee on Agriculture on July 20, 2006, follows:    I write to thank you for your continued support of Rhode Islands federal priorities and to request that you support disaster aid funding for Rhode Islands local farms when the Senate considers the FY07 Agriculture Appropriations bill.             Rhode Island experienced more than 16 inches of rain during the months of May and June, devastating local farms across the state.  The heavy rainfall prevented planting, swamped fields, swept away seedlings, and inhibited pollination.  Throughout all five counties, farmers are suffering harvest losses on their crops, including reports of up to 60 percent on sweet and yellow corn and 70 percent on strawberries.  The extensive damage caused by the rains has left local farmers struggling to get through this difficult season, and federal disaster aid assistance is needed to relieve a portion of the financial burden placed on these farmers.  I respectfully request your support for providing disaster relief funding for these Rhode Island farms in the FY07 Agriculture Appropriations bill.  Thank you for your consideration of this request.