From Senator Jim Webb (D-VA)
Contact: Jessica Smith – 202-228-5158
Wednesday, December 31, 2008 Annie Hughes – 202-224-4447
Washington, DC–Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) today announced that U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer has designated the counties of Prince George, Charles City, Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, James City, and Nottoway as well as the cities of Colonial Heights, Hopewell, and Petersburg as agriculture disaster areas due to drought and excessive heat that has occurred since January 1, 2008.
As a result of this designation, farmers in these areas who have suffered crop losses due to drought may now be eligible to receive financial help from the federal government.
“Farmers and livestock producers throughout Virginia have been hit hard by the recent drought, and I’m pleased that the Secretary of Agriculture has determined that these communities are entitled to federal assistance,” said Senator Webb. “The disaster designation will make hundreds of farmers who have suffered production losses eligible to apply for and receive federal aid.”
Farmers in localities declared as primary or contiguous agricultural disaster areas who lose 30 percent of their income are eligible to be considered for up to $500,000 in low interest loans from the Farm Service Agency (FSA) for losses sustained as a result of this year’s drought. The Agency will individually consider each application based on the extent of loss and other eligibility requirements.
Webb will continue to work to secure federal assistance for Virginia farmers in other localities which have been affected by this year’s drought.
