CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch today announced the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack has declared a disaster designation for all 10 New Hampshire counties due to losses suffered by local farmers caused by heavy rains this summer. With the declaration, New Hampshire farmers will be able to access federal assistance, including emergency loans.

Gov. Lynch requested the disaster declaration in a letter he sent to Secretary Vilsack last month

“Farmers across New Hampshire face extraordinary losses as a result heavy rains that ruined hay and other crops, and caused weather-related plant diseases. Agriculture remains a vital part of New Hampshire’s economy and it is important that we get them the help they need to make it through this difficult season,” Gov. Lynch said. “I’m pleased that Secretary Vilsack has issued this declaration which will make available much needed assistance to farmers in all 10 New Hampshire counties.”

This designation makes farm operators in all New Hampshire counties eligible to be considered for assistance from the Farm Service Agency, including emergency loans and possibly other programs.

For more information, farm operators and producers should contact their local Farm Service Agency office:

Coos County Farm Service Agency - Also Serving Carroll County
4 Mayberry Ln.
Lancaster, NH 03584-3616
(603) 788-4651

Grafton County Farm Service Agency
250 Swiftwater Rd.
Woodsville, NH 03785-1424
(603) 747-3751

Merrimack County Farm Service Agency - Also serving Belknap County and Hillsborough County
10 Ferry St.
Concord, NH 03301-5081
(603) 223-6003

Rockingham County Farm Service Agency - Also serving Strafford County
629 Calef Highway, Suite 201
Epping, NH 03042
(603) 679-4656

Cheshire County Farm Service Agency - Also serving Sullivan County
11 Industrial Park Dr.
Walpole, NH 03608-9744
(603) 756-2988