Weather
These NJ Counties Now Considered Disaster Areas Due To Drought
The designation will allow the USDA to extend "much-needed emergency credit" to producers recovering from drought.
NEW JERSEY — Four New Jersey counties have been designated natural disaster areas due to agricultural damage caused by severe drought conditions, according to federal officials.
The designation will allow the U.S. Department of Agriculture to extend "much-needed emergency credit" to producers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans, according to a news release from the agency.
Counties eligible for assistance include Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland and Gloucester, the USDA said. Contiguous counties including Burlington, Camden, Ocean and Salem are also eligible.
Find out what's happening in Across New Jerseyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, these counties experienced severe to exceptional drought conditions for 8 weeks or more during last year's growing season.
The USDA said emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation or to refinance certain debts.
Find out what's happening in Across New Jerseyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The USDA Farm Service Agency reviews the loans based on the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability.
The application deadline is Dec. 8.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
