ILLINOIS (RFD) — This past week the USDA approved Governor JB Pritzker’s request for all 102 counties in Illinois be declared agriculture disaster areas. The move allows farmers to qualify for emergency low interest loans to help continue farming operations.

Illinois Department of Agriculture Director John Sullivan says the decision by USDA may help garner more attention to the problem.

Farmers interested in the federal assistance should check in with their local FSA office.