Governor Bruce Rauner issued an official letter to USDA Secretary Vilsack on Thursday requesting all counties in Illinois experiencing crop damage related to recent flooding be included in a Secretarial Disaster Declaration.
If farmers in designated counties meet all eligibility requirements, this Declaration would provide them the ability to receive low interest emergency loans.
"I commend Governor Rauner for taking swift action to help farmers across the state who are experiencing hardships due to the record rainfall we received. After touring some of the hardest hit areas in the state this week, it is noticeable that we will see considerably lower crop yields in those areas this year," said Director of Agriculture Philip Nelson.
The State Emergency Board will meet on Monday, July 27 to review the county emergency board minutes and loss assessments in preparation for determining county eligibility.
The Illinois Department of Agriculture will continue to assist FSA in securing benefits for farmers who are impacted by flooding.
If recent flooding has impacted your crops, call your federal crop insurance provider.
Source - http://www.connecttristates.com/
