Relief for Damage Done by the Harsh Winter through FSA

The disaster declaration over the winter for 13 Washington counties kickstarted some loan options through FSA that can help producers recover from the harsh winter.

Jose Limon, Senior Farm Loan Officer at the Chelan Douglas County FSA office, said they offer a wide variety.

“Some of those programs are going to be emergency loans, disaster set aside if they’re a current customer as well as potentially some other disaster relief like emergency conservation programs, livestock forage programs, livestock indemnity programs as well as others.”

The 13 counties that qualify are: Adams, Benton, Columbia, Franklin, Grant, Lewis, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Skamania, Spokane, Wahkiakum, Walla Walla and Whatcom.

Limon said producers must file within eight months of the disaster, so it’s good to get into their offices sooner rather than later.

“Being more prepared when you come in and meet with us would be the best because that way we can try to expedite the process and try to get them the assistance they need in a more timely manner.”

Limon said they tailor their programs to make sure they have the right programs for their specific location. For more information, contact your local FSA office.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail krounce@cherrycreekradio.com.