| AUGUST 6, 2010 -- Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that federal disaster loans are available for maple syrup producers and small farm-related businesses in Litchfield, Middlesex, New Haven and Windham Counties because of an unseasonably warm stretch of weather early this year that reduced sap yield.
The Governor said unseasonably warm nights recorded from February 15 through April 9 resulted in about 30 percent reduced sap production in the four affected counties, leading to a disaster declaration from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Optimal conditions for maple sap are warm sunny days and freezing nights from February until late March.
"Connecticut-produced maple syrup is more than just a wonderful seasonal treat. It is an important source of revenue for hundreds of small family-owned operations," Governor Rell said. "These federal loans are much-needed and will help those small producers begin to recover from their losses."
According to the state Department of Agriculture, Connecticut has approximately 200 maple syrup producers with annual sales of nearly $1 million a year. Connecticut sugarhouses produced about 9,000 gallons of maple syrup this year, a 30 percent drop from 13,000 gallons in 2009. It takes 40 to 50 gallons of sap to produce one gallon of syrup.
State Agriculture Commission F. Philip Prelli said eligible producers can apply for the low-interest loans through the USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA). Small agriculture-related businesses that suffered financial losses as a direct result of the adverse weather in those counties are also eligible for Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest loans. Deadline to apply for both programs is March 8, 2011.
Contact information for FSA loan applications for maple syrup producers:
For Litchfield County:
Litchfield County Farm Service Agency
1185 New Litchfield Street
Torrington, CT 06790
Howard Rood, (860) 626-8852
Howard.Rood@CT.usda.gov
Ellen Losee, (860) 626-8250
Ellen.Losee@CT.usda.gov
For Middlesex and New Haven County:
New Haven County Farm Service Agency
900 Northrup Road, Wallingford, CT 06492
Nancy Welsh, (203) 269-6665
Nancy.Welsh@CT.usda.gov
Ellen Losee, (860) 626-8250
Ellen.Losee@CT.usda.gov
For Windham County:
Windham County Farm Service Agency
139 Wolf Den Road, Brooklyn, CT 06234
Dawn Pindell, 860-774-8397
dawn.pindell@ct.usda.gov or
Ronald Clark,860-887-9941 x3023
ronald.clark@ct.usda.gov
For SBA loans for small farm-related businesses:
· By phone - 800-659-2955
· By e-mail - disastercustomerservice@sba.gov
· On the Web - www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance
For more information on the maple sugarhouses in Connecticut: www.ct.gov/doag
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