USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack has extended assistance efforts in Illinois by issuing a disaster declaration for Fulton, Mason, and Tazewell counties due to the impact of the 2023 drought on the state's growing season.
Farmers in these three counties will now have access to emergency loans to aid their recovery from the drought. Moreover, counties that are contiguous to Fulton, Mason, and Tazewell, namely Cass, Knox, Logan, McDonough, McLean, Menard, Peoria, Schuyler, Warren, and Woodford, are also eligible for the same assistance.
This measure comes as part of the USDA's strategy to provide relief to the agricultural community facing challenges brought about by extreme weather conditions. Illinois has experienced a challenging growing season due to the drought, impacting crops and livestock across various counties.
Governor JB Pritzker's collaboration with Secretary Vilsack and the USDA has been instrumental in facilitating these disaster designations and subsequent assistance. Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture, expressed gratitude for the support and highlighted the importance of ensuring that farmers have the resources needed to recover after facing natural disasters.
With this Secretarial natural disaster designation, the USDA Farm Service Agency can provide emergency loans to farmers striving to recover from the effects of natural disasters like drought. This assistance encompasses FSA emergency loans, offering crucial financial support during challenging times.
Farmers residing in the eligible counties will have a window of eight months from the date of the Secretarial disaster declaration to apply for emergency loans. To inquire, seek guidance, or file a Notice of Loss, eligible individuals should reach out to their local USDA Service Center. This designation reinforces the USDA's commitment to helping farmers rebound from the adverse impacts of the 2023 drought in Illinois.
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Categories: Illinois, Government & Policy, Weather