NORWICH – Chenango is among several counties in upstate New York that were designated disaster or contiguous disaster areas due to frost, freezes or excessive snow that occurred since March and after the unseasonably mild winter. The designation will allow farmers who lost production to obtain emergency loans and other assistance from their local Farm Service Agency.

Chenango County Farm Service Agency Executive Director Brian T. Sheridan said producers are strongly encouraged to contact the Norwich-based FSA office to file the necessary paperwork.

“Filing a Notice of Loss with our office is the first step in becoming eligible for future disaster programs. It is crucial for all producers to stay in contact with the Farm Service Agency office whenever there are disaster situations affecting their operations.”