USDA announced financial and technical disaster assistance for agricultural producers in Washington state affected by simultaneous drought and wildfire damage to crop and livestock operations on Aug. 4.
The assistance is available through USDA’s Farm Service Agency disaster program mechanisms, the department said. The announcement coincides with President Trump’s federal emergency declaration for Washington state wildfires issued the same day.
Both drought conditions and active wildfires are damaging agricultural operations across Washington simultaneously, creating a compounding threat to one of the nation’s most productive farming regions, according to FSA.
Washington state is a major national producer of tree fruits, hops, wheat, dairy products, and other high-value agricultural commodities critical to both domestic food supply and export markets. The state’s apple industry alone produces more than half of all apples grown in the United States.
Damage to Washington agriculture threatens supply chain disruptions and potential food price impacts at a time when agricultural markets are already under pressure from trade disruptions, according to the department.
FSA disaster assistance programs provide emergency loans, livestock indemnity payments, and crop loss compensation to eligible producers. Farmers and ranchers in affected areas are encouraged to contact their local FSA offices to document losses and begin the application process, USDA said.
The agricultural disaster declaration adds another dimension to the federal response in Washington state, where military forces, FEMA, and the National Park Service are also engaged in wildfire suppression and emergency operations.