Ohio agricultural producers impacted by natural disasters eligible for USDA loans

ajc.com

Agricultural producers who were impacted by natural disasters are now eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) physical loss loans offered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA).

The loans are offered to producers in 21 counties for primary damaged areas that incurred losses between Nov. 1, 2018 and June 13, 2019. Loan approval is limited to applicants who suffered severe physical losses only, including buildings and livestock, and applications are due March 2, 2020.

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“Ohio’s hardworking ag producers feed our neighbors, the nation and the world,” State Executive Director Leonard Hubert said. “When they suffer losses because of extreme weather, helping them get back on their feet is important. We encourage those affected to reach out to their local USDA Service Center to apply for these emergency loans.”

The 21 counties include Athens, Auglaize, Belmont, Crawford, Darke, Greene, Guernsey, Henry, Highland, Hocking, Jackson, Mercer, Miami, Monroe, Montgomery, Noble, Pickaway, Preble, Richland, Shelby, and Stark.

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Producers in other Ohio counties are also eligible to apply for emergency loans.

For more information on FSA disaster assistance programs or to find your local USDA Service Center, visit farmers.gov/recover.

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