USDA Declares 3 AZ Counties Disaster Areas

Farmers in Arizona’s Santa Cruz, Cochise and Pima counties who suffered crop damage during a severe storm in August will be eligible for emergency loans and other federal assistance because of a federal disaster declaration.

The Arizona Wine Growers Association says the U.S. Department of Agriculture granted a request by Gov. Jan Brewer and Rep. Gabrielle Giffords to issue the declaration.

Wind, heavy rain and hail from the Aug. 15 storm destroyed an estimated 150 tons of grapes grown by area winemakers. Wine Growers Association president Todd Bostock estimates that vineyards suffered at least $500,000 in damage. The grapes were nearly ready for harvest.