[Update: In addition to the counties included in this disaster designation, 12 N.C. counties that border Virginia were included in a disaster designation for counties in that state in early November. For a list, click here.]
The heavy rainfall and flooding in late September and early October captured headlines, but drought conditions arguably had a bigger impact on crops in North Carolina this year. Corn, cotton, soybeans, tobacco and peanuts all suffered reduced yields because of the hot, dry summer.
Now, farmers in 67 counties who suffered losses from the drought can apply for federal disaster assistance. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Tuesday that 42 North Carolina counties had been designated as natural disaster areas because of losses caused by drought and excessive heat that occurred May 1-Oct. 1, 2010. Farmers in those 42 counties — and 25 contiguous counties — can apply for low-interest emergency loans from USDA’s Farm Service Agency. To see a complete list of counties, read this FSA news release.
Interested farmers may contact their local FSA office for further information on eligibility requirements and application procedures for these and other programs. Additional information is also available online at http://disaster.fsa.usda.gov.