A USDA Secretarial Disaster Designation has designated 10 Massachusetts counties as primary areas due to a freeze occurring from 05/17/2023 - 05/18/2023. A disaster designation enables the USDA Farmer Service Agency (FSA) to authorize emergency loans (EM loans) to the primary and contiguous counties. An EM loan can be used for various recovery needs. Eligible producers can borrow up to 100% of actual production or physical losses to a maximum of $500,000. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available, and repayment ability. For more information regarding eligibility, repayment terms, interest rates, or to apply for an EM loan please check out USDA FSA Emergency Farm Loans.
Application Deadline: March 11, 2024
Primary Counties Eligible: Berkshire, Bristol, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Worcester
Contiguous Counties Also Eligible:
Massachusetts: Barnstable, Dukes, Suffolk
Connecticut: Hartford, Litchfield, Tolland, Windham
New Hampshire: Cheshire, Hillsborough, Rockingham
New York: Columbia, Dutchess, Rensselaer
Rhode Island: Bristol, Newport, Providence
Vermont: Bennington, Windham
To ask questions about available programs and application processes, please contact your local USDA Service Center.
If you have lost fruit trees, buses, or vines exceeding 15% in your stand please consult the Tree Assistance Program factsheet. You may be eligible for financial aid toward replacement or rehabilitation.
Prepared by Matthew Bley, Fruit Extension Educator II, UMass Extension
