San Benito County growers who experienced financial losses from
January’s record-breaking freeze will be eligible for a slice of $5
million in federal funds.
Hollister – San Benito County growers who experienced financial losses from January’s record-breaking freeze will be eligible for a slice of $5 million in federal funds.
On Aug. 16, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that it will distribute $16 million in funds through its Emergency Conservation Program to 18 states stricken with various disasters.
Farmers can now apply for funds to repair land or crops damaged in the freeze. Payments are limited to $200,000, according to the USDA.
The disasters with which farmers nationwide have coped this year include droughts, flood, landslides, tornados, ice storms and high winds, according to the USDA. California received $5 million for the January freeze, almost twice the funds made available for any other disaster.
San Benito County Agricultural Commissioner Paul Matulich wrote the Governor’s Office in February to take the initial steps toward receiving the federal designation as a primary natural disaster area. The county’s designation in May made local growers eligible for low-interest loans and this most recent USDA assistance.
Those unsure about their eligibility for aid can always check with the agricultural commissioner’s office, Matulich said.
