FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 29, 2016) – Gov. Bevin today announced that U.S. Agriculture Secretary Thomas J. Vilsack has designated three Kentucky counties (Bell, McCreary and Whitley) as primary natural disaster areas due to drought. Seven other counties (Clay, Harlan, Knox, Laurel, Leslie, Pulaski and Wayne) are named as contiguous disaster counties. Farmers in those counties declared primary or contiguous disaster areas are eligible for loans from the Farm Service Agency (FSA). Loans will be considered based on their individual merit and must be applied for within eight months of the designation.

In addition to the federal programs offered, the Governor’s Office of Agricultural Policy administers potential funding opportunities through the Tobacco Settlement Funds. For more information, please contact Warren Beeler at 502-564-4627 or visit agpolicy.ky.gov.