The state made emergency farm loans available starting in late July to those who sustained damage due to cold weather last winter. Farmers in Tehama County had a rough winter earlier this year when a freeze caused severe crop damage to almonds trees. According to a letter from Individual Assistance Program Manager Karma Hackney to County Supervisor Candy Carlson, the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services will designate emergency farm loans. Agricultural Commissioner Rick Gurrola said the loans are a useful tool for those who suffered damages. “It’s a good thing for agriculture farmers,” Gurrola said. “I think it’s good in dire times like natural disasters and it enables them to access funds at low or no interest.” These loans are for physical loss as well as crop production losses due to the freeze. The maximum amount for an individual loan is $500,000. Those who can apply for the loans are farmers with family-sized operations. Another letter from Hackney to Carlson focused on non-farm businesses related to agriculture. Small Business Association Economic Injury Disaster Loans are available for “small, non-farm businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and most private non-profit organizations of any size.” “Small businesses include those that do business directly with the growers, such as truckers and suppliers of agricultural equipment or services,” a declaration with the letter said. According to the Small Business Association, an economic injury is when a business or organization cannot meet its financial duties based on a disaster. These loans do not exceed 4 percent interest. Source - https://www.redbluffdailynews.com