WASHINGTON - Salem County and 14 other New Jersey counties were given a "disaster declaration" recently for damage incurred by farmers by severe storms and heavy rainfall on several occasions since April.

The declaration allows farmers to apply for low-interest loans through the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

U.S. senators Frank Lautenberg and Robert Menendez had asked the department to issue the declaration, noting the state has an $82-billion agriculture industry.

"While we can't control severe weather, this emergency assistance helps New Jersey farms stay viable and stay competitive," Menendez said.

The other seven South Jersey counties were included in the declaration.