The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is designating more localities in Virginia’s Ninth District as primary natural disaster areas due to recent drought. As part of this action, the Counties of Bland, Craig, Floyd, Giles, Montgomery, Pulaski, Roanoke and Russell are set for primary natural disaster area designations. In response to severe weather and drought events in Virginia, more USDA relief is on the way to farmers in Virginia’s Ninth District. “With this expansion in primary natural disaster area designations, more eligible Ninth District farmers can access the drought assistance they need. In July, Tazewell County also received a primary natural disaster area designation due to recent drought.