Columbia County is among seven upstate counties that have been included in a USDA disaster declaration for crops damaged during the May 2023 frost. The freeze was responsible for a number of Hudson Valley area apple orchards being damaged, with some orchards suffering complete fruit loss.
Farmers in eligible counties have eight months from the date of the July 21 disaster declaration to apply for emergency loans. The USDA's Farm Service Agency considers each emergency loan application, taking into account extent of production losses on the farm and the security of repayment ability. For production losses, a 30% reduction in a primary crop is required for eligibility. Losses to quality may also be eligible for assistance.
for more information on FSA emergency loans, click HERE: