skip to Main Content
MSJ NEWS see latest news

Federal Disaster Declaration Allows Connecticut Farmers Affected by Tropical Storm Elsa to Apply for Emergency Loans

  • Governor Ned Lamont announces approval of agriculture disaster declaration related to Tropical Storm Elsa earlier this summer
  • Eligible farmers in Connecticut can apply for certain federal assistance, including emergency loans
  • Announcement comes shortly after the arrival of a tropical storm and before the remnants of a hurricane are expected to bring major rainfall to Connecticut

Summary by Dirk Langeveld

Connecticut farmers who suffered production losses due to Tropical Storm Elsa earlier this summer will be eligible to apply for federal assistance after the U.S. Department of Agriculture approved a disaster declaration for the state.

Governor Ned Lamont announced that the USDA has approved the agriculture disaster declaration, which names six of Connecticut’s counties as primary disaster counties and the remaining two as contiguous disaster counties. This allows eligible farmers statewide to qualify for aid such from the Farm Service Agency, including emergency loans, to cover storm-related production losses.

“Last year Connecticut farmers were facing drought conditions and this year has brought significant rainfall and flooding conditions,” said Connecticut Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt. “Agricultural producers throughout the state have experienced significant losses of food production and livestock crops. We also appreciate the support from our Congressional delegation to help Connecticut’s farmers mitigate the losses and additional expenses incurred.”

The National Weather Service recorded wind speeds of up to 42 miles per hour during the July storm and rainfall amounts of between 1.5 inches and five inches, with further rainfall coming from subsequent thunderstorms.

Farmers have eight months after the agriculture disaster declaration to apply for emergency loans. They should contact their local Farm Service Agency for assistance with the application.

The announcement comes shortly after Tropical Storm Henri passed through the state, causing less damage than initially feared but still dropping four inches of rain in some parts of Connecticut. Further severe weather is also expected this week from the remnants of Hurricane Ida, which are forecast to bring gusty winds and two to four inches of rain to the state.

Spread the Word

More To Explore

Expert Summaries

Know Your Competitors

By Denis Jakuc 

There are tons of benefits to knowing who your competitors are—what they’re offering, their strengths and weaknesses. That knowledge can help you make your products and services stand out,

Latest News

Join with Free InnovatorsLINK Account

Start accessing all the free member benefits and valuable content on the InnovatorsLINK platform. Create a BizLINK listing to boost brand exposure, receive the weekly Main Street Journal newsletter, engage in forums, get full access to free content, and more.