Thank you for the opportunity to address this committee regarding the creation of an integrated, coordinated Federal policy designed to prepare for and respond to serious drought emergencies. As has been stated in many publications, speeches and testimonies, drought is a complex issue that umbrellas many sectors of the nation's economy. The direct impact of drought such as reduced productivity in crops, rangeland and forests, have indirect results that are far reaching. Lower production typically means less revenue for producers.
Less revenue leads to an inability to repay debts, replace equipment and make needed improvements.
The ripple will be felt throughout the economy. In your effort to meet the charge established by The National Drought Policy Act of 1998, you have asked interested parties to respond to a series of issues. Coordinated communication and education programs are the keys to addressing this serious issue. Too often, drought is seen as a local issue or as an agriculture issue only. With the vast majority of this country's population being situated in urban and suburban areas, the impact of drought is typically only realized when water rationing is imposed or prices at the supermarket increase.