The U.S. Virgin Islands has received a major federal response to its worsening drought, with the U.S. Department of Agriculture designating the entire territory as a primary natural disaster area.

The August 20 USDA designation covers St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John, allowing farm operators across the territory to apply for emergency loan assistance through the USDA Farm Service Agency.

The decision follows prolonged severe and extreme drought conditions, which have placed increasing pressure on agricultural producers, particularly livestock farmers. Governor Albert Bryan Jr. had formally requested the federal disaster declaration earlier in August.

Officials say the federal assistance could provide an important financial lifeline for farmers dealing with reduced forage, water shortages and other impacts caused by the dry conditions.

The disaster designation is expected to give USVI agricultural producers access to resources that can help them recover from the continuing drought and protect their operations.

The territory remains under a burn ban as authorities continue monitoring extremely dry conditions and associated wildfire risks.