Washington, DC--Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY-17) announced that Westchester and Rockland Counties are eligible for federal emergency disaster funds for damage and losses caused by drought and excessive heat since June. 

Westchester County is one of 29 New York counties listed as a primary natural disaster area by the U.S. Department of Agriculture due to the level of damage suffered by the drought. As a county contiguous to Westchester, Rockland is also eligible for aid. Farmers in both counties will be considered for assistance from the Farm Service Agency if they meet eligibility requirements.  The assistance includes FSA emergency loans, and farmers in both counties have eight months from today to apply. 

“I am pleased to see Westchester and Rockland Counties are eligible for aid.  While our farm land may not be as massive as other areas of the state, we have hard-working farmers who deserve assistance to overcome the natural disasters over which they have no control,” said Rep. Engel.

To apply, farmers should contact the New York State Farm Service Agency at 315-477-6300.  

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