USDA Designates 30 Alabama Counties As Primary Natural Disaster Areas 

ALABAMA PEANUT PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION

DOTHAN, ALABAMA

 Alabama peanut farmers across much of the state are facing challenging conditions as ongoing drought continues to impact crop production. In response, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins has designated 30 Alabama counties as primary natural disaster areas, with an additional 12 counties listed as contiguous.

Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate said the designation reflects the serious strain drought conditions are placing on farmers, including peanut producers, whose crops depend heavily on timely rainfall during the growing season.

Libbie Johnson, Executive Director of the Alabama Peanut Producers Association (APPA), said the drought is creating real concerns for peanut farmers across the state.

“Peanut farmers know how critical consistent moisture is throughout the growing season, and this prolonged drought has made it especially challenging at the beginning of the season,” said Johnson. “This disaster designation is an important step in helping our growers access the resources they need to recover and continue producing a safe, reliable crop.”

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, the affected counties experienced prolonged periods of severe to exceptional drought (D2–D4) during the growing season. Conditions that can significantly reduce peanut yields and impact overall farm profitability.

The 30 primary counties included in the disaster designation are Barbour, Bullock, Butler, Chambers, Choctaw, Clarke, Coffee, Conecuh, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Elmore, Escambia, Geneva, Greene, Hale, Henry, Houston, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Monroe, Montgomery, Pike, Russell, Sumter, Tallapoosa, Washington and Wilcox. Twelve additional counties—Autauga, Baldwin, Bibb, Chilton, Clay, Coosa, Dallas, Mobile, Perry, Pickens, Randolph and Tuscaloosa – were listed as contiguous.

This disaster designation allows eligible farmers, including peanut producers, to apply for emergency loan assistance through the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA). These loans can help cover production losses and support recovery efforts.

Producers in eligible counties have up to eight months from the date of the designation to apply. Each application is evaluated individually based on the extent of losses and the applicant’s ability to repay.

Alabama peanut farmers seeking assistance or more information are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center or visit farmers.gov to explore available programs and determine eligibility.   ∆

ALABAMA PEANUT PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION

Link to Original Article: https://alpeanuts.com/usda-designates-30-alabama-counties-as-primary-natural-disaster-areas/