"Farmers are a key driver of our state’s economy."

Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that that the Farm Service Agency approved federal loans to assist Georgia farmers affected by the record-setting cold that occurred between April 6-9, 2007.  The freeze resulted in $258 million of damage to Georgia crops, representing a 33% decrease from the normal production value for the agricultural products.
           
“The April freeze damaged crops across the state,” said Governor Sonny Perdue.  “Farmers are a key driver of our state’s economy.  This level of damage not only impacts individual farms, it affects entire communities.  FSA’s assistance is an important aid in helping Georgia to recover from the damage caused by the freeze.”

152 counties are designated primary counties, 6 counties are designated contiguous.  Click here to view a list of the counties.  The only county not receiving a designation was Clay County.  Farmers can apply for a loan by calling their local FSA office.
           
Greatest values of loss were reported for blueberries, peaches, and pecans. Blueberries have losses of $64.9 million which are 86% of the normal value. Peaches have a 78% loss of normal production with a $28.1 million loss. Pecans losses are $26.9 million, or 29% of the normal value. Small grains losses of $19.1 million are 40% of the normal value. Hay, forage, and pasture losses total $47.8 million. Total losses for grasses are equal to 41% of the normal value.