Griffith Supports State of Emergency Declaration

Today, Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger declared a State of Emergency in the Commonwealth. The declaration comes in response to a statewide hay shortage caused by persistent and ongoing drought conditions. In response to the State of Emergency declaration, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) released the following statement: “Hay is an integral agricultural product supporting Virginia farmers, particularly those with cows and horses. But due to devastating drought challenges, access to hay supplies is dwindling. “I commend the Governor’s action today to address the hay shortage impacting Virginia. “I will continue to advocate for our farming and rural communities as they try to access crop relief.” BACKGROUND Congressman Griffith helped lead federal engagement to secure separate USDA Secretarial natural disaster declarations for Virginia farmers. In June, Secretary Rollins approved Virginia’s request. In July, Tazewell County received a primary natural disaster area designation due to recent drought. In August and September, the USDA extended its natural disaster declaration to many other Ninth District localities. ###