Drought Disaster
USDA Designates Most Parts Of California
There weren’t nearly enough clouds and rain filling the Golden State’s skies over the past several months, and that has added up to a disaster declaration.
Virtually all farmers and ranchers in California are now eligible to apply for low-interest emergency loans because of a declaration by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that California is a drought disaster area. Only all-urban San Francisco County is excluded.
USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is making the emergency loans available with a maximum amount established at $500,000. Details are available on-line at fsa.usda.gov/ca. “Just about everyone in California agriculture has been negatively affected by drought this year,” said Val Dolcini, Farm Service Agency 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.”