Executive Document

EXECUTIVE ORDER

Declaration of Agricultural Disaster

WHEREAS, Severe drought has reduced soil moisture in some areas of the state to 20 percent of normal, reducing agricultural production by 40 percent; and

WHEREAS, Utah farmers and ranchers experienced freezing temperatures and high winds in the month of June;

WHEREAS, Mormon cricket and grasshopper infestations have reached historic proportions exceeding 1.5 million acres;

WHEREAS, these conditions have damaged grains, alfalfa, safflower, rangeland forage and other crops in irrigated and non-irrigated areas throughout the state;

WHEREAS, livestock contributes approximately 75 percent to the State's agricultural economy, and such harsh conditions are adversely impacting this industry,

WHEREAS, these conditions could result in agricultural losses into the tens of millions of dollars;

WHEREAS, the extent of the hardship on Utah agriculture far out weighs the state's ability to respond;

NOW THEREFORE, I, Michael O. Leavitt, Governor of the State of Utah by virtue of the power vested in me by the constitution and the laws of the State of Utah,

I DO HEREBY declare a "Statewide Agricultural Disaster" due to the aforesaid drought, frost, wind, and Mormon cricket and grasshopper infestation in the State of Utah.

IN TESTIMONY, WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Utah, this 7th day of September, 2001.

(State Seal)

Michael O. Leavitt
Governor

ATTEST:

Olene S. Walker
Lt. Governor