By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/usda-designates-july-flooding-in-vermont-a-disaster-making-farmers-eligible-for-emergency-loans Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter USDA designates July flooding in Vermont a disaster, making farmers eligible for emergency loans Nation Sep 5, 2023 5:00 PM EDT The U.S. Department of Agriculture has designated Vermont a natural disaster area from the catastrophic July flooding, making farms eligible for emergency federal loans, Republican Gov. Phil Scott announced Tuesday. It’s the second USDA disaster declaration for Vermont this summer. In July, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack approved Scott’s request for a disaster declaration for the May frost that hit many growers, including vineyards and apple orchards. READ MORE: As storm moves on, Vermont and parts of Northeast still flooded Since the July flooding, farmers have reported over $16 million in damage and losses, according to Vermont Agriculture Secretary Anson Tebbetts. “Our farming community has faced a one-two punch this year that some may not survive,” Tebbetts said in a statement. “This designation can provide a lifeline to these important farm and food businesses with resources until next year’s growing season.” The latest designation makes farms hit by the flooding eligible for emergency loans from the Farm Service Agency, Scott said. They have eight months from the date of the declaration to apply. We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now By — Associated Press Associated Press
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has designated Vermont a natural disaster area from the catastrophic July flooding, making farms eligible for emergency federal loans, Republican Gov. Phil Scott announced Tuesday. It’s the second USDA disaster declaration for Vermont this summer. In July, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack approved Scott’s request for a disaster declaration for the May frost that hit many growers, including vineyards and apple orchards. READ MORE: As storm moves on, Vermont and parts of Northeast still flooded Since the July flooding, farmers have reported over $16 million in damage and losses, according to Vermont Agriculture Secretary Anson Tebbetts. “Our farming community has faced a one-two punch this year that some may not survive,” Tebbetts said in a statement. “This designation can provide a lifeline to these important farm and food businesses with resources until next year’s growing season.” The latest designation makes farms hit by the flooding eligible for emergency loans from the Farm Service Agency, Scott said. They have eight months from the date of the declaration to apply. We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now