“Emergency loans for farmers and operators are available through the Panola  County Office of the Farm Service Agency,” Gerald G. Booker, FSA farm loan manager, announced Monday.

On May 13 the FSA declared a major disaster in Mississippi, after excessive rainfall, flash flooding, flooding, lightning, and tornadoes that occurred from April 30 through May 3.  Panola County is contiguous to the primary natural disaster area and has been designated eligible for Federal Disaster assistance.

Applications for assistance in the disaster-stricken county will be accepted by FSA through January 13.

Farmers qualifying for emergency loans may borrow up to 100 percent of their actual production loss or the amount needed to restore their operation to its pre-disaster condition, whichever is less.  The new emergency loan and outstanding principal balance of any existing emergency loan owed by the applicant or any individual member of an entity cannot exceed $500,000.00.

FSA emergency loans cover losses from designated disasters and are made to qualified farmers who cannot obtain credit from other lenders in the local area.

For further information, contact Booker at 578-8045 or visit the Farm Service Agency office at 175 Broome Ridge Road in Batesville.