# USDA Designates NJ Counties as Disaster Areas

The United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency (USDA FSA) has designated 10 counties in New Jersey as natural disaster areas due to drought conditions effective April 28, 2026. This designation enables agricultural producers in the affected counties, as well as contiguous counties in New Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania, to apply for emergency loans to support recovery efforts. Applications for these loans will be accepted through May 10, 2027, providing a significant window for affected producers to access financial assistance.

- **Why this matters:** Procurement professionals and contractors involved in agricultural support services, emergency loan processing, and disaster recovery should note the expanded eligibility and extended application period.
- Agencies and service providers can anticipate increased demand for loan processing, agricultural recovery services, and related consulting in the designated and contiguous counties.
- Businesses supporting agricultural resilience and drought mitigation may find new opportunities to collaborate with USDA FSA and local producers.
- The designation highlights the importance of timely response capabilities and resource allocation for drought-impacted regions in the Mid-Atlantic area.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Energy & Utilities
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** September 23, 2026

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

### Sources
- [USDA Designates 10 New Jersey Counties as Natural Disaster Areas for Drought | Farm Service Agency](https://www.fsa.usda.gov/news-events/news/09-22-2026/usda-designates-10-new-jersey-counties-natural-disaster-areas-drought) - FSA