Decision Allows Farmers and Ranchers to Apply for USDA Assistance

Washington, DC (January 13, 2006) – Congressman Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15) today announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Colorado, Brooks, San Patricio, and Jim Wells counties as disaster areas.  This decision allows farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural producers to apply for low-interest emergency loans from the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), provided eligibility requirements are met.

Colorado County was named as a contiguous disaster county due to crop losses by drought that occurred from June 1, 2005.  Jim Wells County was declared a primary disaster area due to crop losses from excessive rain, flooding, hail, high winds and a tornado that occurred on October 27.  Brooks and San Patricio Counties were named contiguous disaster areas for the same reasons.

FSA will consider each loan application on its own merits, taking into account the extent of losses, security available, and repayment ability.  FSA has a variety of programs available, in addition to the emergency loan program, to help eligible farmers recover from adversity.  These include:  the Emergency Conservation Program, Federal Crop Insurance, and the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program.

“Unfortunately, farmers and ranchers are many times at the hands of nature – and it can wreak havoc on their business’ ability to thrive,” said Hinojosa.  “When disaster strikes, we must do all we can to support farms and ranches through difficult times to ensure that their quality of life and economic viability is maintained.” 

Interested farmers may contact their local USDA Service Center for more information, or visit:  http://disaster.fsa.usda.gov

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Texas State FSA Office                                                                                                 Falfurrias Service Center
2405 Texas Ave., South                                                                                              N Rachal Rd. & County Rd. 205
College Station, TX 77840-4699                                                                            Falfurrias, TX 78355
Phone: (979) 680-5150                                                                                              Phone: (361) 325-2236

Fax: (979) 680-5235                                                                                                  Fax: (361) 325-5340

Lubbock Service Center                                                                                             Alice Service Center
6113 43rd Street                                                                                                         2287 N Texas Blvd., Ste. 3
Lubbock, TX 79407-3747                                                                                        Alice, TX 78332-3110
Phone: (806) 785-5644                                                                                            Phone: (361) 668-8361
Fax: (806) 785-5973                                                                                                 Fax: (361) 668-8199