Suffolk, Isle of Wight get disaster declaration on crops

Suffolk and Isle of Wight County have received primary disaster declarations from the U.S. Department of Agriculture because of adverse weather last year.

Chesapeake, Franklin, Newport News, Portsmouth and Southampton and Surry counties received contiguous disaster declarations because they are located on the borders of the primary disaster areas, according to a news release from the agency.

The declarations mean that farmers in the areas can be considered for emergency loans and other financial assistance.

Heat and humidity were cited as the reasons for the declarations along with damage from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee.

Farmers will have eight months from the date of the declaration to apply for loan assistance, the release said. Farmers should call their local FSA offices for details.