Press Releases

Today, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz announced the designation of Jim Wells County and Brooks County as contiguous disaster areas. This designation follows the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) declaration of several Texas counties as primary natural disaster areas due to significant agricultural losses incurred in the 2023 Crop Year.

The disaster designation was confirmed by USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack following a detailed review of loss assessment reports by the Texas State Executive Director of the Farm Service Agency (FSA). These reports verified substantial production losses that justified the Secretarial natural disaster designation. Jim Wells County and Brooks County, being adjacent to these primary disaster counties, are recognized as contiguous disaster areas, thus qualifying local farmers for potential aid.

Under this designation, farm operators in both Jim Wells County and Brooks County are eligible to be considered for emergency loans from the FSA. These loans are intended to assist farmers in recovering from the production losses they faced. Farmers in the designated areas have eight months from the date of the disaster declaration to apply for these emergency loans.

"Our farmers are the backbone of our local economy and ensuring they have the necessary support during times of crisis is crucial,” De La Cruz said. “This disaster designation is vital for the recovery of our agricultural community in Jim Wells and Brooks Counties. I encourage all affected farmers to contact their local FSA office to explore the support available to them."

Guadalupe, Jim Wells, Karnes, Live Oak, and Wilson counties were recently designated as natural disaster areas in March due to drought. Hidalgo County received a federal disaster declaration due to drought in 2023.

For further information, affected individuals are urged to reach out to their local FSA offices, where they can receive guidance on the application process and assess their eligibility for emergency financial assistance. Find your local office by visiting farmers.gov/working-with-us/service-center-locator.