In response to a letter sent by Gov. Nathan Deal, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack determined that, due to the ongoing drought and excessive heat, Appling County would be among the 150 Georgia counties suffering production losses great enough to warrant a secretarial natural disaster designation.
“I am grateful for Secretary Vilsack’s timely response on this important request for our state,” said Deal. “With this designation, farmers and their businesses will qualify for much-needed relief. It is my hope that this aid will relieve some of the burden this drought has caused the number one industry in our state.
“I also extend my appreciation to Georgia’s congressional delegation for their support of my request to Secretary Vilsack.”
Due to the designation, Appling County will become eligible to apply for emergency loans and other benefits provided by the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008: