WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has declared every Kentucky county a natural disaster area due to drought conditions and wind damage. In September, Senator McConnell sent a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer in support of Kentucky’s request for disaster designation.

Last year, Kentucky producers experienced significant losses from drought conditions and freezing temperatures. While spring rains brought some relief, farms across Kentucky are once again suffering from a lack of rainfall coupled with wind damage from the remnants of Hurricane Ike.

“I am pleased that USDA approved this request that enables our agriculture producers to apply for low-interest emergency loans and the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Program to compensate for their losses,” said McConnell. “Agriculture is a vital part of the Commonwealth’s economy, and this disaster declaration will provide much needed assistance during these difficult times.”

Kentucky farmers interested in applying for the assistance should contact their local Farm Service Agency office for further information.