Decision Allows Farmers and Ranchers to Apply for USDA Assistance

Washington, DC (June 6, 2006) – Congressman Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15) today announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Refugio County as a contiguous disaster area.  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.

Refugio County was named as a contiguous disaster county due to crop losses by drought that occurred from January 1, 2006. 

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 must contend with nature, and when nature turns, this 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