Hoosier farmers in the 78 primary and 14 contiguous counties are now eligible for the same federal programs through USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA). According to the USDA, farmers in both primary and contiguous counties have eight months from the designation date to apply for emergency loan assistance from the FSA. The FSA will take into account the extent of production losses, security available and repayment ability when determining eligibility. The USDA is offering the following options to assist farmers in the designated disaster areas: • A reduced rate for emergency loans (from 3.75 percent to 2.25 percent) • A payment reduction on Conservation Reserve Program lands that qualify for emergency haying and grazing in 2012 from 25 to 10 percent “Indiana’s farming industry is built on the back of communities like ours here in Allen County,” said Rep. Morris. “I want farmers to be aware of what resources are available to them so they are able to successfully deal with the drought conditions.” Qualified farmers in each of the designated counties can apply for low-interest emergency loans through USDA’s Farm Service Agency. The USDA has also improved flexibility in the Conservation Reserve Program, making more livestock producers and landowners eligible for emergency haying and grazing. Farmers are urged to contact their local FSA office for more information or visit www.in.gov/drought/. -30-
Rep. Bob Morris represents Allen County, including the city of Fort Wayne and most of St. Joe Township
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