WESLACO Farmers and ranchers who suffered significant drought-related losses in 2000 and unable to obtain loans elsewhere are being urged to begin the application process early for low-interest, disaster emergency loans.
The deadline for submitting applications for the loans from USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is Aug. 20, but growers should begin the process now.
“The longer they wait, the more chance there is for long delays,” said Vidal Saenz, a farm adviser with the Texas Agricultural Extension Service in Edinburg. “If the applications come in early, we can avoid backlogs and speed up the process.”
Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy counties in the Lower Rio Grande Valley have been declared eligible for the disaster emergency loans, meaning growers who have lost at least 30 percent of their production due to disasters that occurred on or after Jan. 1, 2000, are eligible for FSA loans.
Similar assistance was available for Valley farmers and ranchers who suffered drought-related losses in 1999, but only those in Starr and Hidalgo counties. The current disaster declaration includes all four counties of the Valley, and indeed, most counties in the state of Texas.
“Proceeds from crop insurance are taken into account when determining eligibility,” said Arnulfo E. Lerma, FSA loan manager, “but their best bet is to get in touch with us so we can explain to them what the program is, who is eligible, how those loans can be used, interest rates, how to navigate through the process, everything they need to know.”
FSA offices in the Rio Grande Valley where producers can pick up applications include: Cameron County, 2315 West Frontage, Highway 83, San Benito; Hidalgo County, 2514 S. I Road, Suite 1, Edinburg; Starr County, 4400 E. Highway 83, Rio Grande City; and Willacy County, 255 FM 3168, Suite 1, Raymondville.
Those needing technical assistance in filling out the FSA loan application forms, or information on which records are necessary for the process, should contact Lerma or Saenz.
Contact Saenz at the Extension office in Edinburg at (956) 383-1026, or call toll-free, (800) 638-8239. Lerma can be contacted in Edinburg at (956) 381-0916, Ext. 2.
-30-