STATE OF CONNECTICUT M. Jodi Rell Governor Rell Announces Emergency Loans Available to Farmers for Crop Losses Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that U.S. Agriculture Secretary Edward Schafer has granted her request to issue a natural disaster designation for several counties hit by severe storms this summer, allowing farmers across the state to apply for emergency aid to cover crop losses. “Farmers are always at the mercy of nature and when it turns disastrous and threatens their livelihood, it is reassuring to know there is assistance available,” Governor Rell said. “This designation will help so many of our vegetable, fruit and tobacco farmers recoup their losses from a stormy stretch of summer.” Between July 27 and August 12, farmland in The storms reduced production of some crops by least 30 percent, particularly through the fertile State Agriculture Commissioner F. Philip Prelli said eligible farmers can apply for the low-interest emergency loans through the USDA’s Farm Service Agency. The deadline for applications is “I am pleased the USDA has granted Governor Rell’s request to provide For more information, contact the local USDA office at |