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

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

COLUMBIA, SC, May 18, 2020 – South Carolina 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 who incurred losses due to tornadoes and high winds that occurred on April 13, 2020. Approval is limited to applicants who suffered severe physical losses only, including the loss of buildings and livestock. Applications are due by Jan. 8, 2021.

“South Carolina’s hardworking ag producers feed our neighbors, the nation and the world,” said State Executive Director Boone Peeler. “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.”

Physical loss loans are available to eligible agricultural producers in Aiken, Barnwell, Berkeley, Colleton, Dillon, Hampton, Lee, Oconee, Orangeburg, and Sumter counties.

Producers in the contiguous South Carolina counties of Allendale, Anderson, Bamberg, Beaufort, Calhoun, Charleston, Clarendon, Darlington, Dorchester, Edgefield, Florence, Georgetown, Horry, Jasper, Kershaw, Lexington, Marion, Marlboro, Pickens, Richland, Saluda, and Williamsburg, along with Burke, Effingham, Franklin, Habersham, Hart, Rabun, Richmond, Screven, and Stephens counties in Georgia, and Columbus, Jackson, Macon, Robeson, and Transylvania counties in North Carolina, 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.