The U.S. Department of Agriculture has designated Vermont a natural disaster area 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 that hit many growers, including vineyards and apple orchards.
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,鈥� Tebbetts said in a statement. 鈥淭his designation can provide a lifeline to these important farm and food businesses with resources until next year鈥檚 growing season.鈥�
The latest designation makes eligible for emergency loans from the Farm Service Agency, Scott said. They have eight months from the date of the declaration to apply.
Montpelier,Vt., The Associated Press
