5/4/2006

AP Online

By Martin Griffith

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.  Earthworm farmers could be eligible for some government assistance under legislation that won final approval in the Missouri Senate.

The bill makes vermiculture operations which raise earthworms in a controlled environment eligible for some loan programs as other agricultural operations are.

For example, worm farms could qualify for the linked deposit program, which allows banks to offer below-market loans to farmers and businesses.

"We're going to put it on par with raising cattle, with raising hogs," said Republican Sen. Matt Bartle, who handled the bill.

Proponents say worm waste is an effective alternative to chemical fertilizers and insecticides.

The Senate passed the bill 31-0, sending it to the governor. The House had already approved it.