AUGUSTA – Small businesses dependent upon agriculture in declared counties of Maine and New Hampshire have until Nov. 16 to apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. These loans are available to help offset economic losses that occurred due to reduced revenues of farmers and ranchers caused by adverse weather conditions.

Small businesses in the primary and adjacent counties may apply for economic losses. Aroostook, Franklin, Oxford and Penobscot counties are primary areas, and the adjacent areas are Androscoggin, Cumberland, Hancock, Kennebec, Piscataquis, Somerset, Waldo, Washington and York counties. Those areas experienced excessive rain since June 1, 2003.

Typically, farm implement dealers, crop sprayers, and feed, seed and fertilizer wholesalers and retailers are affected the most. In communities dependent upon agriculture, Main Street small businesses may be adversely affected as well.

“Businesses primarily engaged in farming or ranching are ineligible under this particular disaster loan program. However, farmers and ranchers may seek financial assistance through the local SBA district office or from the Farm Service Agency,” said SBA Disaster Area Director William E. Leggiero Jr.

Applications and further information may be obtained by calling the SBA toll free at 1-800-659-2955 or for the hearing-impaired, 1-800-877-8339. Completed disaster loan applications must be returned to SBA no later than Nov. 16.