New Jersey Farmers Get Federal Assistance for Crop Losses

New Jersey farmers are getting some good news from the federal government.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture said it is designating 16 New Jersey counties as primary natural disaster areas due to crop losses caused by last summer’s drought and extreme heat.

The designation makes farmers in the 16 counties, plus three neighboring counties, eligible for low-interest emergency loans.

The declaration covers all of New Jersey except Bergen and Hudson counties.

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack noted that the extreme weather caused severe damage to corn, soybeans, forage, vegetable and fruit crops.

Gov. Chris Christie wrote to Vilsack in September and October requesting the disaster declaration.