USDA Offers Low-Interest Loans for Agricultural Producers in Mississippi Impacted by Natural Disasters

Emergency Support to Producers in Surrounding Counties/Border State Also Available 

Jackson, MS, March 31, 2020 — Mississippi agricultural producers who lost property due to recent natural disasters may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) physical loss loans. The Farm Service Agency (FSA) offers these low-interest loans to agricultural producers in Attala, Clarke, Jasper, Lauderdale, Simpson and Yazoo counties who incurred losses due to tornadoes, excessive rainfall, and flash flooding that occurred on Feb. 5, 2020. Approval is limited to applicants who suffered severe physical losses only, including the loss of buildings and livestock. Applications are due by Nov. 19, 2020. 

“Mississippi’s hardworking ag producers feed our neighbors, the nation and the world,” said State Executive Director Bobby Carson. “When they suffer losses because of extreme weather, helping them get back on their feet is important. We encourage those affected to reach out to their local USDA Service Center to apply for these emergency loans.” 

Producers in the contiguous Mississippi counties of Carroll, Choctaw, Copiah, Covington, Hinds, Holmes, Humphreys, Issaquena, Jefferson Davis, Jones, Kemper, Lawrence, Leake, Madison, Montgomery, Neshoba, Newton, Rankin, Scott, Sharkey, Smith, Warren, Wayne, and Winston, along with Choctaw and Sumter counties in Alabama, are also eligible to apply for emergency loans. 

Physical loss loans can help producers repair or replace damaged or destroyed physical property essential to the success of the agricultural operation, including livestock losses. Examples of property commonly affected include essential farm buildings, fixtures to real estate, equipment, livestock, perennial crops, fruit and nut bearing trees, and harvested or stored crops and hay. 

For more information on FSA disaster assistance programs or to find your local USDA Service Center visit farmers.gov/recover.