Gregoire requests farm disaster funds

Grant County and Adams County are two of 29 counties across Washington for which Gov. Chris Gregoire requested farm disaster assistance.

MOSES LAKE — Grant County and Adams County are two of 29 counties across Washington for which Gov. Chris Gregoire requested farm disaster assistance.

She made the request in light of losses inflicted on agriculture producers due to weather.

“Conditions this year have been difficult to our growers across Washington,” stated Gregoire. “Cold temperatures have harmed our tree fruit crops, while excessive rain made it difficult for bees to pollinate strawberries and other berry crops. A declaration will help our businesses absorb a difficult year and look forward.”

The disaster declaration allows farmers to apply for disaster assistance funds through the USDA Farm Service Agency, in addition to low-interest loans necessary to cover property and production loss.

— Staff report