Most of state declared disaster area due to drought
Published: Fri, Sep. 14, 2007 12:19PM
Modified Fri, Sep. 14, 2007 12:28PM
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closeRALEIGH -- The federal government has designated 85 of North Carolina's 100 counties as disaster areas because of the persistent drought, Gov. Mike Easley's office said today.
Eleven more counties are included in the disaster declaration because they are contiguous to the disaster counties.
The declaration, by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, makes low-interest loans available to farmers who cannot get credit elsewhere.
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The 85 counties include those where farmers have lost 30 percent or more of at least one significant crop. All Triangle counties are in the disaster area.
"This declaration is a good first step that will provide financial assistance for eligible farmers to help them recover some of their losses and get ready for the next growing season," Easley said in a statement. "Our farmers need all the help they can get."
Eligible farmers can apply for the loans from the Farm Service Agency. The deadline for applying is May 12, 2008.
Farmers should contact the Farm Service Agency office in their county for more information.
To find county FSA contact information, go to www.fsa.usda.gov and click on "State Offices," then on "North Carolina" and "County Offices."
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