Ohio producers may have access to disaster relief

Storms in Ohio led to disaster funding for farmers.
Storms in Ohio led to disaster funding for farmers.
Farm equipment and land in Ohio may have experienced damage this year after a number of natural disasters experienced in the state this year.

However, producers may have the chance at some relief from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Governor Ted Strickland appealed to the federal regulatory agency to have parts of the state declared disaster areas.

As a result, farmers and ranchers in 79 counties in the state can apply for assistance funds from the USDA's Farm Service Agency and the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments Program.

"This assistance will help our farmers make Ohio's $98 billion food and agriculture industry even stronger," Strickland said.

Of the 79 counties, 38 qualify as contiguous disaster areas, while another 41 are part of the primary classification. A number of severe weather conditions affected the state, including tornados and freezes.

According to Ohio Agriculture Director Robert Boggs, there are 75,000 farms in the state, many of which will qualify for the disaster relief funds. Boggs thanked Strickland for his efforts in securing the assistance from the USDA.