The U.S. Department of Agriculture has declared the Big Island, Maui, Moloka'i and Läna'i agriculture disaster areas.

That means farmers there who have suffered from a persistent drought are now eligible for financial aid from the federal government.

Farmers across the state have dealt with exceptionally dry conditions over the past few years that have resulted in crop losses, water restrictions and reduced planting. Many farmers have struggled to stay in business.

The USDA recently made the declaration, which was announced yesterday in a joint release from U.S. Sens. Daniel K. Inouye and Daniel Akaka.

"Farmers on Maui and the Big Island have been adversely affected by the weather and the global recession, and this designation will hopefully help them attain the financial aid they need to ramp up production," Inouye said in the statement.

Farmers affected by drought conditions, which in some cases have persisted for more than two years, may seek assistance in the form of emergency loans and revenue assistance payments from the USDA's Farm Service Agency.