Albany County is among 43 New York counties designated by the United States Department of Agriculture as primary natural disaster areas.

Producers who suffered losses due to recent disasters may be eligible for USDA Farm Service Agency emergency loans.

Emergency loans may be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation, or the refinance of certain debts.

Farmers in Albany County who suffered losses due to excessive rain that has occurred since April 1, 2019, are eligible to apply for emergency loans.

The deadline to apply for these emergency loans is Sept. 29, 2020.

FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available, and repayment ability.

Farmers may contact their local USDA service center for further information on eligibility requirements and application procedures for these and other programs. Additional information is also available online at farmers.gov/recover.