Gov. Gregoire�s statement on fruit crop damage

For Immediate Release: April 25, 2008

Gov. Gregoire�s statement on fruit crop damage

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire today issued the following statement on fruit crop damage:

�I am closely tracking weather-caused fruit-crop damage in Eastern Washington to learn the extent of the damage and actions I can take to help. Right now, the damage does not appear widespread but may be significant in isolated areas. Growers are telling us they need a few days of warmer weather before they will know the real extent of the damage.

�My Agricultural Director, Valoria Loveland, and advisors from my office will be on the ground in the affected areas next week, and will bring me an assessment and recommendations, which may include a request for an emergency proclamation to trigger the availability of low-interest loans to growers who suffered crop losses.�