WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Benjamin L. Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-Md.) today praised the U.S. Department of Agriculture for granting Maryland’s request for a natural disaster designation for 22 counties because of drought and excessive heat.

“Mother Nature was not kind to Maryland farmers this summer, with drought and excessive heat taking a heavy toll on their livelihood,” said Senator Cardin. “I am pleased to see USDA coming through with financial resources to help Maryland’s farmers and agricultural communities recover and rebuild.”

 “This announcement is great news for Maryland’s farmers,” said Senator Mikulski. “This year’s dry, hot summer left Maryland farmers stressed and strained. Their lives and livelihoods depend on their crops, and they turned to us for help. I am happy to see the USDA lending a hand to help farmers facing the devastating financial impact of the drought. I won’t stop fighting for Maryland’s agricultural communities and farmers.”

Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Garrett, Howard, Kent, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, St. Mary’s, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico and Worchester counties were all designated as natural disaster areas. Harford County and Baltimore were designated as contiguous areas.

The designations allow farm operators in these areas to receive assistance from the USDA Farm Service Agency, including emergency loans and other financial assistance.