Dear Sonoma County Farm Bureau, and Ranchers, Farmers, and Growers:

I am writing to make you aware of USDA’s recent disaster designation following the ongoing drought in Sonoma County.  The state requested a disaster designation for six California counties, and USDA followed through by designating Sonoma County a “contiguous disaster county” because it neighbors Lake County, one of the primary disaster counties.

Accordingly, I wanted you to know that farmers, ranchers, and growers who were affected and experience production losses due to drought are now eligible to apply for low-interest emergency loans from the Farm Service Agency (FSA).  In reviewing the applications, FSA considers the extent of the damage suffered from the drought, alternative sources of security, and the ability to repay loans.

Please visit the Farm Service Agency webpage for more detailed information about emergency farm loans at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=home&subject=fmlp&topic=efl, or contact the Farm Loan Manager who is currently handling the Sonoma County caseload, Ms. Belle Davis at 209-472-7127 ext. 106 or by writing or faxing her at:

Belle Davis, Farm Loan Manager
3422 West Hammer Lane Ste. C
Stockton, CA 95219
Fax: (209) 472-7890

I hope you find this information helpful in recovering losses from the drought.  My office is available to help you through this process, if there is need.  Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have at (202) 225-5161.

Sincerely,

 

Lynn Woolsey
Member of Congress