8 counties declared disaster areas

Governor Sonny Perdue announced today United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Edward T. Schafer has declared eight eligible counties disaster areas as a result of severe storm and hail damage. The designation was sent in response to Governor Perdue’s request submitted in November.

“Agriculture is Georgia’s largest industry and the backbone of our economy,” said Governor Perdue. “With the disaster declaration, Georgia farmers will be able to receive the assistance they need.”

Based on USDA Damage Assessment Reports, farmers in the designated eight counties experienced enough damage and sufficient production loss to qualify for the disaster declaration. Eligible farmers in designated counties that meet the criteria may apply for a USDA low interest loan at their county Farm Service Agency (FSA) office. The eight counties are listed below:

Ben Hill, Crisp, Dodge, Dooly, Pulaski, Telfair, Turner and Wilcox.

For more information, please visit www.fsa.usda.gov.

Federal assistance for Georgia farmers

Farmers in all but one Georgia county can apply for federal disaster loans. The Farm Service Agency approved the disaster designation for 158 Georgia counties.

An April freeze hit Georgia farmers across the state hard … ultimately inflicting $258 million dollars worth of damage to Georgia crops. Blueberries took the heaviest blow … losing 86% of their normal value. Georgia lost 78% worth of pecans … and 29% in peaches.

Only farmers in Clay County are not eligible for federal loans.