SE Washington Designated As Primary Natural Disaster Area

Farmers in Washington’s Asotin, Garfield, and Whitman counties are now eligible for federal emergency loans after USDA declared the area a natural disaster because of drought.  The designation gives producers access to low-interest FSA loans to help replace livestock or equipment, reorganize operations, or refinance certain debts.

Neighboring counties also qualify for loans, including:

• Washington: Adams, Columbia, Franklin, Lincoln, Spokane
• Idaho: Benewah, Latah, Nez Perce
• Oregon: Wallowa 

The drought designation follows prolonged severe to exceptional drought conditions during the growing season.  Producers have until March 8th to apply for assistance.