The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated several Maryland counties as natural disaster areas due to prolonged drought conditions, unlocking emergency assistance for local farmers.

Washington, Frederick, and Harford counties received primary disaster designations, making farms in those jurisdictions directly eligible for USDA’s emergency loan programs through the Farm Service Agency (FSA).

Additionally, the USDA extended eligibility to adjacent counties, including Allegany, Baltimore, Carroll, Cecil, Howard, Kent, and Montgomery.

This designation provides a critical lifeline for agricultural operations severely impacted by crop losses, reduced forage, and depleted water supplies. Eligible farmers may apply for low-interest loans to replace equipment or livestock, refinance existing debt, or support operational recovery.

Counties Eligible for USDA Drought Assistance:

• Primary Counties: Washington, Frederick, Harford

• Contiguous Maryland Counties: Allegany, Baltimore, Carroll, Cecil, Howard, Kent, Montgomery

• Also eligible: Several nearby counties in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia

Loan applications are assessed based on the severity of the loss, the availability of collateral, and the borrower’s repayment ability.

Farmers should contact their local USDA Service Center or visit farmers.gov to access tools like the Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool, Loan Assistance Tool, and USDA’s Drought Disaster Fact Sheet.