Valadao announces disaster relief for farmers

U.S. Congressman David G. Valadao, R-Hanford, announced Friday that the United States Department of Agriculture has declared Kings County and Tulare County in California’s 21st Congressional District as natural disaster areas due to excessive drought conditions.

In addition to Kings County, Fresno and Kern counties have been named contiguous counties under this designation and also may qualify for disaster assistance in California’s 21st Congressional District.

Farmers and ranchers in the counties listed and those contiguous to them qualify to apply for low-interest emergency loans from the USDA’s Farm Service Agency. These loans are intended to help offset some loss farmers face.

“Farmers are vital to the economy of California and our country as a whole,” said Valadao. “We are grateful to the USDA for providing emergency assistance during these difficult times. This drought is further evidence that the Central Valley needs access to a secure water supply. We must continue to develop and invest in our water infrastructure to ensure that our farmers and ranchers have access to water to grow our food. I encourage farm operators to take advantage of these low-interest loans because of the disaster declaration.”

Farmers and operators have eight months from March 13 to apply for disaster assistance.

For more information and to apply for emergency assistance, please visit http://disaster.fsa.usda.gov or contact your local FSA Office.