MADISON COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) – On October 19, the United States Department of Agriculture announced a primary agricultural disaster designation for Georgia counties due to Tropical Storm Elsa, excessive winds and excessive rainfall in from July 7, 2021.

Under this disaster designation, producers from Columbia, Hamilton and Madison are also eligible for benefits.

Representative Al Lawson (FL-02) broke the news on October 19.

“During the summer, many hard-working farmers in Columbia, Hamilton and Madison counties were severely impacted by Tropical Storm Elsa,” said Representative Lawson. “I want to express my gratitude to the United States Department of Agriculture for providing the emergency assistance needed to help our producers get back on their feet after the storm.”

This designation makes farmers eligible for some assistance from the USDA Farm Service Agency, provided the eligibility conditions are met, including emergency loans.

Farmers in eligible counties have until June 18, 2022 to apply for emergency loans.

The FSA reviews each emergency loan application on its own merits, taking into account the extent of production losses on the farm and the safety and repayment capacity of the operator.

FSA local offices can provide additional information to the farmers concerned.

For more information, please Click here.