( Washington , D.C. ) - Farmers in Carroll and Patrick Counties who have suffered crop losses due to freezing temperatures experienced in early April may be eligible to receive financial help from the federal government
according to United States Representative Rick Boucher. "I have contacted U.S. Secretary of Agriculture urging him to declare Carroll and Patrick Counties primary disaster areas due to last month's unseasonably cold temperatures. This designation would allow farmers in these localities to qualify for federal help," he said.
Congressman Boucher noted that the unexpected freeze in early April , where temperatures dropped below 20 degrees, resulted in substantial damage to red apple, peaches, and cherry crops and justifies the need for federal assistance to the producers of affected commodities.
Farmers in designated counties who lose 30% of their income are eligible to be considered for up to $500,000 in low-interest loans from the U.S. Farm Service Agency for losses sustained during 2007. The Agency will individually consider each application based on the extent of loss and other eligibility requirements.