A natural disaster declaration has been issued for 18 counties across Georgia so far. Those areas will receive much-needed loans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help offset the significant damage on Georgia’s peach crop from March’s untimely freeze.

The USDA’s Farm Service Agency is looking to “extend essential emergency credit” to the farmers in need. That credit comes in the form of a loan that can be used to buy new farm equipment or livestock, reorganize an entire farming operation, or even refinance other loans.

“I’m grateful to USDA Secretary Vilsack for recognizing the importance of delivering much-needed relief to Georgia farmers following the untimely freezes in March,” said Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper.

Due to the lack of peaches this year, the Chattooga County 4-H will not be having their annual peach sale.  Extension Agent Rebecca Thomas said, “We are so sad to announce that our Peach Fundraiser won’t happen this year. Please keep us in mind next year when the peach crop recovers! We are so sorry, and look forward to next year and future fundraisers”.