Disaster declaration clears way for financial assistance for farmers affected by drought

SOUTHEASTERN NC (WWAY) — The federal government stepping in to help area farmers dealing with crop damage or loss as result of dry conditions.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Thomas Vilsack has declared a natural disaster in the State of North Carolina based on losses caused by drought that occurred July 9th.

Columbus County has been declared a primary disaster county, which makes it the first county in the state eligible for federal disaster assistance. That assistance includes Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loans.

Blueberry farmer John Morris said even though he’s finished picking blueberries this season, the drought could impact his harvest next year as well.

“We’re done with our season and our harvest is done so we’re glad to be through, through that,” Morris said. “But right now, we’ve pruned all of our plants pretty aggressively after we were done harvesting so this is our best time for new growth for plants, which sets up a better production for next season and we just haven’t been able to irrigate as much and we’ve had no rain. So we’re concerned about how much new growth we have on our blueberry bushes.”

Four other counties have been named as contiguous counties where eligible family farmers may qualify for FSA emergency loans- Bladen, Brunswick, Pender and Robeson.

Effective July 15, 2024, emergency loans may be made available to farmers in these counties who qualify for production losses.

Loan applications will be accepted until March 17, 2025.