NEWS
Farm Service Agency
Public Affairs Staff
1400 Independence Ave SW
Stop 0506, Room 3624-South
Washington, D.C. 20250-0506
                                                
                                       Release No. EM003.01
                                                
                                 Dann Stuart (202) 690-0474
                                Dan_Stuart@wdc.fsa.usda.gov

FOUR IDAHO COUNTIES ELIGIBLE FOR USDA EMERGENCY FARM LOANS

      WASHINGTON, January 31, 2001-The U.S. Department of 
Agriculture today named four Idaho counties as eligible for
Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency farm loans because of
losses caused by extreme drought that occurred from May 1
through August 31; and wildland fires that occurred from
August 7 through August 28, 2000.

     Twin Falls County was named a primary disaster area
January 29, 2001.  Also eligible because they are contiguous, are
Gooding, Jerome, and Owyhee Counties.

     This designation makes all qualified family-sized farm
operators in primary and contiguous counties eligible for
low-interest emergency loans from FSA. FSA will consider
each loan application on its own merits, taking into account
the extent of losses, security available, repayment ability,
and other eligibility requirements.

     FSA has a variety of programs available, in addition
to the emergency loan program, to help eligible farmers
recover from adversity.  Interested farmers may contact
their local FSA offices for further information on
eligibility requirements and application procedures. 
Additional information is also available online at:
http://www.fsa.usda.gov/pas/disaster/assistance1.htm

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