Amelia Seeks U.S. Agricultural Aid

By Jamie C Ruff

The Amelia County Board of Supervisors is asking Gov. Timothy M. Kaine to declare the county an agricultural disaster area.

Such a declaration would make Amelia farmers eligible for federal assistance for reseeding pastures and hay fields, feed for livestock and low-interest loans, the resolution said.

Virginia Cooperative Extension estimates the continuing drought has cost the county $3.8 million in crop losses.

Extension agent Robyn Whittington said she has had to apply for drought assistance each of her three years as the county’s agent.

“This is the worst drought situation I’ve seen,” she said.

Last year, Kaine responded 19 days after the request was made, so Whittington said she hopes to receive the declaration in a couple of weeks.

Originally published by Times-Dispatch Staff Writer.

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