The United States Department of Agriculture has issued a Secretarial Disaster Declaration for 43 primary counties and 61 contiguous counties. Russell County is among the contiguous counties.
The declaration is in response to damage sustained by crops during late spring frost and freeze events.
Virginia Governor Abagail Spangerger made the request for assistance on May 27.
“Virginia agriculture is the cornerstone of our economy — supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs, securing our food supply, and protecting the Commonwealth’s natural beauty for future generations,” Spanberger said.
She added, “The unprecedented frost and freeze event this spring devastated farmers across Virginia, many of whom will not be able to harvest a crop until the 2027 growing season. This federal disaster declaration provides vital resources to help hardworking family farmers navigate a difficult year and prepare for their next crop. I am grateful to Secretary Rollins and our federal partners for listening to the concerns of our farmers and producers, and I look forward to remaining in close contact in the months ahead.”
Ninth District Congressman Morgan Griffith stated, “This USDA action is necessary to support farmers in Virginia’s Ninth District. Spring frost and freeze events followed by severe drought continue to impact Virginia’s agricultural health. This disaster designation sets in motion opportunities for eligible groups to request emergency loan assistance.”
He added, “My office is ready to help facilitate access to federal assistance. Additionally, I will continue to advocate for our farming communities as they navigate through growing season challenges and record temperatures.”
The Virginia Cooperative Extension reported that losses during the frost and freeze events were well above 30 percent. Some growers anticipate a 100 percent loss.
The Secretarial Disaster Declaration makes farm operators in primary counties and those counties contiguous to such primary counties eligible to be considered for FSA emergency loan assistance, credit extensions, and potential future relief programs through FSA, provided eligibility requirements are met.
Farmers in eligible counties have eight months to apply for emergency loans. These programs provide essential assistance to farmers who now face the prospect of paying for inputs, labor, and debt-service for crops that will not yield a harvest and generate income in 2026.
