‘I encourage all farmers and ranchers in Arizona’s Sixth Congressional District who are dealing with the consequences of severe drought to look into what federal resources are available. That’s what this USDA program is all about.’
U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani
Contributed Article
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Juan Ciscomani is urging farmers and ranchers in southeastern Arizona to take full advantage of a federal loan program aimed at helping those impacted by severe drought.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently designated several Arizona counties, including Graham, Pima, and Pinal, as primary natural disaster areas due to drought conditions. The designations allow farmers and ranchers to be considered for an emergency loan assistance program operated by the department’s Farm Service Agency (FSA). This loan program provides necessary credit to producers following a natural disaster, including drought.
“Southeastern Arizona is home to many farmers and ranchers who keep our agriculture industry strong. It is no surprise that our region experiences drought, which in turn impacts these hardworking men and women and their ability to produce goods,” said Rep. Ciscomani. “I encourage all farmers and ranchers in Arizona’s Sixth Congressional District who are dealing with the consequences of severe drought to look into what federal resources are available. That’s what this USDA program is all about. Graham, Pima, and Pinal counties being included in this program will directly support the farmers and ranchers who keep our district strong, helping AZ-06 remain a leader in agriculture.”
Emergency loans from the program are essential for recovery following events like severe drought, as they can be used to replace equipment or livestock, rework a farming operation, or refinance multiple debts. The FSA reviews emergency loans based on a producer’s loss amount, available collateral, and capacity to repay the loan.
For Arizona specifically, a drought disaster designation allows local farmers and ranchers to receive critical financial aid to help them recover from drought-related losses. This designation will minimize the lasting impacts of drought in Arizona’s Sixth Congressional District by supporting members of the agricultural industry and providing the resources they need to recover from an extreme drought. The USDA’s aid will directly benefit the rural communities of Arizona that make up our unique agriculture.
Rep. Ciscomani remains committed to working with AZ-06 farmers and ranchers to advocate for the priorities and needs of the district’s agriculture industry. He is grateful for the USDA’s continued partnership with AZ-06 and is pleased with this latest effort to support the district’s rural communities that make southeastern Arizona’s agriculture robust.
Read more about the USDA’s disaster assistance programs HERE.
