Aid for Md. farmers affected by drought

The federal government has approved assistance for Maryland farmers who lost 30 percent of their crops or more due to drought this summer.

Gov. Martin O’Malley’s administration said Monday the assistance announced late last week includes Farm Service Agency emergency loans and other assistance.

The U.S. Agriculture Department’s disaster declaration applies to 22 Maryland counties for losses that occurred between June 1 and Aug. 31. The only jurisdictions in Maryland that won’t be receiving the aid are Baltimore city and Harford County.