Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine on Monday said he has asked the federal government to declare the state a drought disaster area and open up potential financial relief for farmers, a move that follows similar requests by more than 70 Virginia counties and three other state governments.
Such a declaration from the U.S. Department of Agriculture would make farmers across the commonwealth eligible for low-interest loans and other aid from Congress if they have suffered substantial enough losses. Delaware, Maryland and Tennessee have already asked for the droughtdesignations.
“This is an extraordinary year for Virginia,” Kaine said in a statement Monday. “We have never sought a statewide drought disaster designation before. This year’s drought is so pervasive, however, that we decided to act on behalf of the entire state.”
Despite Northern Virginia’s comparatively urban nature, the drought has hit home in some outlying areas. Loudoun County, which has already received a drought disaster declaration, reported losses that topped $24 million and accounted for about 40 percent of the annual agricultural economy.
The effects of the drought have been growing since May, when farmers began to see fewer and fewer days with rainfall, according to Jim Riddell, assistant director for agriculture and natural resources for the Virginia Cooperative Extension.
This drought has hit especially harshly, he said, because the cost of fuel and materials, like fertilizer, are already high.
“Every farmer stands on his own merits as to what they need,” Riddell said. “This [declaration] just makes them able to apply for those.”
