While Baxter County is not on the list of Arkansas counties declared disasters in the wake of spring flood, a number of neighboring ones are on the U.S. Department of Agriculture declaration.
Governor Asa Hutchinson says this designation is separate from the Presidential Disaster Declaration he has requested. FEMA is still assessing the damage before a Presidential Disaster Declaration can be made.
Governor Hutchinson learned of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s designation Friday.
Making the list of 23 primary counties in North Central Arkansas were Boone and Newton. In addition, 23 other contiguous counties were designated as disaster areas. Those counties in North Central Arkansas include Marion, Searcy, Stone, Izard, and Sharp.
Farmers in eligible counties have eight months from the date of a Secretarial disaster declaration to apply for emergency loans. USDAs Farm Service Agency (FSA) considers each emergency loan application on its own merits, taking into account the extent of production losses on the farm and the security and repayment ability of the operator.
A Secretarial disaster designation qualifies farm operators in primary counties and in contiguous counties to be considered for certain assistance from FSA provided they meet eligibility requirements. For more information on FSA Disaster Assistance Programs, click HERE, or contact local FSA offices, which can provide affected farmers with further information.
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