Ontario, Steuben, and Yates counties in the Finger Lakes region have been declared disaster areas by FEMA, opening up critical USDA emergency loans for farmers impacted by Tropical Storm Debby in August.
These loans, administered by the Farm Service Agency, aim to support recovery efforts by financing essential repairs, replacing equipment, and stabilizing farm operations.
Farmers in these counties and neighboring areas, including Livingston, Monroe, Schuyler, Seneca, and Wayne, are eligible to apply for assistance.
The deadline for applications is May 26, 2025. For guidance on disaster relief options, affected producers can visit their USDA Service Center or explore resources at farmers.gov.
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