AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) The federal government is making Maine’s farmers eligible for disaster relief assistance due to the drought that has affected the state.

The United States Drought Monitor says most of Maine is facing extreme or severe levels of drought.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue has designated six Maine counties as “primary natural disaster areas,” and eight counties as “contiguous disaster” areas.

Members of Maine’s congressional delegation say the designations mean farm operators are eligible to be considered for assistance programs such as emergency federal loans.