Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced that due to agricultural losses caused by drought and excessive heat, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has declared 44 of the 46 counties in South Carolina as primary disaster areas.  Beaufort and Charleston counties have been designated contiguous disaster areas.

“This is welcome news for South Carolina’s farmers,” said Graham.  “The drought and heat have made 2008 a difficult year.  I’m pleased to see relief is on the way.”

These designations make farm operators in both primary and contiguous counties eligible to be considered for low-interest emergency loans from the Farm Services Administration (FSA).  Local FSA offices can provide farmers with more information.

####