WASHINGTON – The United States Department of Agriculture has approved a Secretarial Disaster Designation for the state of Maine in response to continuing drought conditions, according to U.S. Rep. John Baldacci, who serves on the House Agriculture Committee.

All counties – except Franklin – have been declared primary natural disaster areas. Franklin County has been given contiguous disaster area status.

Baldacci explained that as a result of the designation all farmers in Maine are eligible to apply for low-interest emergency loans from the USDA’s Farm Service Agency. According to USDA Secretary Ann Veneman, each loan application will be considered on its own merits, taking into account the extent of losses, available security and repayment ability.

“As spring approaches, these USDA loans could have a very beneficial impact for many farms,” Baldacci said. “I encourage all interested growers to contact the Farm Service Agency office for additional information and applications.”