Ag. disaster designation for Potter

A hard frost that settled in on the region in mid-June, causing millions of dollars in damage to farm crops, has triggered a federal government program that provides low-interest loans to farmers.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture last week granted disaster designation to Potter and McKean counties, a well as six New York counties, based on an inventory of decreased crop yields resulting from the sub-freezing temperatures experienced June 15-18.

This designation allows producers to be considered for Farm Service Agency emergency loans and the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Program. In Potter County, the Farm Service Agency can be reached at 274-8522.