Emergency loans may become available to Virginia farmers as drought conditions continue

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — If current drought conditions continue in Virginia, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) may issue a natural disaster designation for some areas, which would allow farmers to receive emergency loans.

Drought warning advisories for 12 counties and drought watches for 95 counties and cities were initially released by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) on June 24.

While recent rainfall has helped in some areas, conditions have not been alleviated for farmers in many areas across the state, according to Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS).

As conditions warrant, the USDA may issue a natural disaster designation for primary and secondary localities. This designation is different from that issued by the DEQ and allows farmers in the primary affected counties to be eligible for emergency loans from the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA).

According to VDACS, farmers in the counties and cities that are contiguous to the primary drought declaration counties are also eligible to apply for the same emergency assistance.

If eligibility requirements are met, the FSA will review each emergency loan application individually and will consider specific circumstances and needs.

Farmers in eligible localities have eight months from the date of the disaster declaration to apply for emergency loans.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.