Nearly Half of Calif. Counties Termed Natural Disasters Due to Drought
TODAY, 27 of California’s 58 counties have been designated by the USDA as natural disaster areas due to damages and losses caused by extreme drought.
Agricultural operators in all natural disaster designated counties may qualify for low interest emergency (EM) loans from USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA). Counties that are contiguous to the primary disaster counties also qualify for USDA natural disaster assistance.
Farmers and ranchers in designated counties have eight months from the date of the declaration to apply for the EM loan to help cover part of their actual losses. To verify the deadline for application in your area, contact your county’s Farm Service Agency Office.
The agency will consider each loan application on its own merits, taking into account the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability. The maximum amount for an EM loan is $500,000.
“Just about everyone in California agriculture has been negatively affected by drought this year,” said Val Dolcini, FSA State Executive Director. “California’s diverse farmers and ranchers of all sizes and backgrounds have experienced drought conditions and water shortages and may find help at FSA offices.”
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has conservation-related disaster assistance to protect soil, water and habitat Small, non-farming businesses in USDA disaster-designated counties may be eligible for disaster assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
The FFSA Emergency Conservation Program may also help restore conversation-related farm property and facilities. And the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program is available for producers who have enrolled in this annual protection program prior to the deadline earlier this year. For further information, contact your local USDAService Center.
The 27 designated counties include:
Alameda
Alpine
Amador
Calaveras
Contra Costa
El Dorado
Fresno
Inyo
Kern
Kings
Los Angeles
Madera
Mariposa
Merced
Mono
Monterey
Sacramento
Santa Clara
San Benito
San Bernardino
San Joaquin
San Luis Obispo
Santa Barbara
Stanislaus
Tulare
Tuolumne
Ventura