ADDISON COUNTY — For local farmers who have suffered losses because of drought conditions this year, help may be on the way from the federal government. Last month, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue designated 10 Vermont counties, including Addison, as “primary disaster areas,” according to a media release from the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA). The state’s other four counties, along with several more in the region, have been designated as “contiguous” drought areas, also eligible for assistance. … (read more)