Prince George's farms eligible for federal relief after drought

Farmers in Prince George's County will be entitled to federal help following a summer of record high temperatures and little rain, after the county has been declared a natural disaster area.

But only about 20 percent of county farms will meet eligibility requirements for federal relief programs, meaning most local farmers will not benefit.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the designation Monday for 22 counties in Maryland. Farmers who lost at least 30 percent of their crops this year will be eligible for low-interest federal loans and other federal relief programs, provided they have crop insurance and can meet other eligibility requirements.