Herald Staff

Januart 31, 2012

EVERETT -- Farmers in Snohomish and Island counties are eligible to apply for federal disaster support following a year of weird weather.

Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Everett, announced in a statement Tuesday that farmers in 15 counties statewide can apply.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has designated the counties as natural disaster areas because of agriculture losses caused by excessive rain, flooding, below normal temperatures, high winds, frosts and freezes in 2011.

"Farmers who were hit with production losses because of severe weather last year should contact their local Farm Service Agency office to report their losses and file for support they are eligible for," Larsen said in the statement.

Farmers who need guidance or assistance can also contact Larsen's office in Everett at 425-252-3188, he said.

Farm operators in Snohomish and Island counties who suffered losses caused by severe weather last year are eligible to apply for Farm Service Agency emergency loans and the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments Program.

Learn more

Farmers can contact these Farm Service Agency offices:

Snohomish County: http://go.usa.gov/nU9

Island County: http://go.usa.gov/nUP

Farm Service Agency loan program: http://go.usa.gov/nUK

Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments Program: http://go.usa.gov/nUk.