9 Oregon counties under disaster designation for weather-related crop loss

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Nine Oregon counties are under a Secretarial natural disaster designation after the United States Department of Agriculture determined multiple weather events in 2023 led to crop losses, officials announced Friday.

The USDA issued the declaration on Feb, 23 in response to a letter sent by Oregon Gov. Kotek in September that outlined the impact of weather events on Oregon crops, including a 35% loss of Oregon's cherry production because of poor fruit set.

In some cases, production levels were low enough to approach crop failure status, Kotek noted in her letter.

“Oregon farmers faced serious economic losses during last year’s crop season,” Kotek said in a statement. “Our agriculture community is invaluable to Oregon, feeding families across the state. This designation is critical to ensure that farmers are able to receive support from the federal government in recuperating those losses.”

Under the first designation, which is defined as excessive rain that started July 7, Hood River County is listed as a primary county. Contingent counties include Clackamas, Multnomah, and Wasco counties.

Under the second designation, which is defined as drought, excessive heat, and high winds that occurred July 5-15, Wasco County is listed as the primary county with Clackamas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jefferson, Marion, Sherman, and Wheeler counties designated as contingent counties.

Farmers have until October to apply for USDA assistance if they produce crops in any of the primary or contingent counties, officials said.