# USDA Designates Oregon Counties Disaster Area

The United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency (USDA FSA) has officially designated Baker County, Oregon, along with contiguous counties Grant, Malheur, Union, and Wallowa, as natural disaster areas due to severe drought conditions. This designation enables agricultural producers in these counties to apply for emergency loans to support recovery efforts. Applications for these loans are being accepted through May 10, 2027, providing a clear timeline for affected producers and contractors to engage with USDA programs.

- **Why this matters:** Procurement professionals and contractors involved in agricultural services, disaster recovery, and emergency loan facilitation should note the expanded eligibility and extended application deadline.
- Agencies and vendors can anticipate increased demand for services related to drought mitigation, agricultural recovery, and financial assistance processing in these Oregon counties.
- Organizations supporting USDA programs should prepare to assist producers in navigating loan applications and compliance requirements within the specified timeframe.
- This designation signals potential opportunities for contractors specializing in agricultural resilience, emergency response, and rural economic support in the affected regions.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Energy & Utilities
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** September 16, 2026

### Government Entities
- United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency (USDA FSA)

### Sources
- [USDA Designates Baker County as Natural Disaster Area | Farm Service Agency](https://www.fsa.usda.gov/news-events/news/09-15-2026/usda-designates-baker-county-natural-disaster-area) - FSA