Parts of HR named in disaster notice

HAMPTON ROADS, Va. (WAVY) - Several localities in Hampton Roads have been named in a disaster declaration due to excessive heat and drought suffered between May 1 and Sept. 20, 2011.

Isle of Wight, James City County, Sussex, Southampton and Newport News received contiguous disaster declarations since they border localities named primary disaster areas.

Matthew J. Lohr, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) Commissioner, said, “I am grateful that the USDA has declared these areas eligible for federal assistance, and that other localities have been designated as contiguous disaster areas. These areas were very hard hit by drought, heat and a hurricane and any assistance farmers can get will be appreciated.”

The VDACS said farmers in the named areas have eight months to apply for emergency loan assistance.  The Farm Service Agency (FSA) will consider each loan application, taking into account production losses, available security and repayment ability.

Click here to find your local FSA office.