Several localities in southeastern Virginia can now access Farm Service Agency emergency loans and programs following drought designation.
By Marcus Webb | The Commonwealth Wire
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has designated several Hampton Roads localities as primary natural disaster areas due to drought conditions, making farmers and agricultural producers eligible for federal emergency assistance programs.
The drought disaster designation applies to localities across southeastern Virginia that have experienced significant agricultural losses from prolonged dry conditions. Affected producers can now apply for emergency loans and other assistance through the USDA Farm Service Agency.
“This designation recognizes the real impact that drought conditions have had on our agricultural community in Hampton Roads,” said a USDA spokesperson. The agency evaluates disaster designations based on production losses, with drought conditions typically requiring losses of at least 30 percent of a crop.
Farmers in the designated areas can access Farm Service Agency emergency loans with interest rates as low as 3.75 percent for actual losses. The loans can help cover production costs, equipment repairs, and other essential expenses related to drought damage. Additionally, producers may be eligible for other USDA programs including the Livestock Forage Disaster Program and Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program.
The designation also extends eligibility to agricultural producers in contiguous counties, even if those counties were not specifically named in the primary disaster declaration. This provision helps ensure that farmers in neighboring areas who experienced similar conditions can also receive assistance.
To qualify for emergency loans, farmers must demonstrate that their operation sustained at least a 30 percent loss in production due to the drought. Applications must be submitted within eight months of the disaster designation date. The Farm Service Agency encourages producers to contact their local office as soon as possible to begin the application process.
Virginia’s agricultural industry contributes more than $52 billion annually to the state’s economy, with Hampton Roads representing a significant portion of the state’s farming operations. The region’s farmers produce a variety of crops including soybeans, corn, cotton, and various fruits and vegetables.
Drought conditions across Virginia have varied throughout 2024, with some areas experiencing more severe impacts than others. The National Weather Service has monitored precipitation levels and soil moisture conditions throughout the growing season.
Farmers interested in applying for assistance should contact their local Farm Service Agency office or visit the USDA website for application materials and detailed program information. County offices can provide specific guidance on eligibility requirements and help producers navigate the application process.
Key Facts
- USDA designated several Hampton Roads localities as drought disaster areas due to agricultural losses
- Farmers can access emergency loans with interest rates as low as 3.75 percent through the Farm Service Agency
- Producers must demonstrate at least 30 percent crop loss to qualify for emergency assistance
- Applications for emergency loans must be submitted within eight months of the disaster designation
- Virginia’s agricultural industry contributes more than $52 billion annually to the state economy
