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Disaster designation issued
In the aftermath of high winds, frost, freeze, hail and flooding in May that led to crop losses, the federal government Tuesday designated 10 New Jersey counties as natural disaster areas.
Farmers in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Mercer, Monmouth, Ocean and Salem stand to receive federal aid for their losses.
"We are thankful to Governor Christie and (U.S. Secretary of Agriculture) Thomas Vilsack's quick action to make farmers impacted by the severe weather conditions in May eligible for federal disaster relief programs," state Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher said. "Even with the adverse weather, New Jersey still has had a very successful growing season, producing fruits and vegetables with excellent quality and flavor."
Another disaster aid request is being prepared to assist farmers harmed by excessively hot and dry conditions this summer."Severe weather conditions can adversely impact crops at any time during a growing season, but May is a crucial time for many crops, such as blueberries," Paul Hlubik, director of USDA's Farm Service Agency in New Jersey, said. He added, "It will not only make farmers eligible for low-interest loans and restructuring, it also will provide direct relief through the Supplemental Revenue disaster assistance program to anyone who meets the eligibility criteria."
The disaster designation covers losses from May 7 to 31, making farm operators eligible to be considered for assistance from Farm Service Agency, provided they meet eligibility standards. This assistance includes emergency loans and income assistance.
Farmers in eligible counties have eight months to apply for emergency loan assistance. The loans could cover up to 100 percent of the dollar value of the losses. Farmers must have suffered a 30 percent loss in crop production or physical loss to livestock, inventory or property and meet eligibility requirements. FSA considers each loan application on its own merits, taking into account the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability.
To find an FSA office, click here. For more information on the FSA's disaster assistance programs, click here.
– TOM HESTER SR., NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM
