10/09/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/09/2024 12:24
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, USDA staff is available to assist when you are ready. USDA is working diligently to implement program flexibilities and waivers, to help streamline your recovery process. We are regularly reviewing our programs so please check in periodically with your local USDA office for updates.
Documenting Loss
We encourage you to document damages and losses your operation has sustained as best you can, including gathering farm records, herd inventory, receipts and pictures of damages or losses. Livestock producers are advised to document livestock numbers by taking time and date-stamped video or pictures of injury or loss, to the extent possible. Please know that we recognize these are extremely extenuating and stressful circumstances and there may be instances where documentation is lost, destroyed or unattainable. Regardless, please contact us and we will do whatever we can to help you access the assistance you need.
Reporting Loss
Once you are able to safely evaluate the impact on your operation, be sure to contact your local USDA Farm Service Agency(FSA) county office or your crop insurance agent to report all crop, livestock and farm infrastructure damages and losses. For producers who have risk protection through Federal Crop Insurance, the USDA Risk Management Agencyhas authorized Approved Insurance Providers to provide flexibility on reporting requirements for those who are unable to report losses due the disaster.
Available Assistance
Producers in counties with a primary or contiguous disaster designation may be eligible for low interest emergency loans to help them recover from production and physical losses.
Additionally, FSA offers several loan servicing options available for borrowers who are unable to make scheduled payments on their farm loan programs debt to the agency because of reasons beyond their control.
Meanwhile, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Serviceprovides financial resources through its Environmental Quality Incentives Program to help with immediate needs and long-term support to help recover from natural disasters and conserve water resources. Assistance may also be available for emergency animal mortality disposal from natural disasters and other causes.
Online Resourcesand Tools
To learn more about programs available to producers here are some resources on farmers.gov, the Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool, Disaster-at-a-Glance fact sheet, and Farm Loan Assistance Tool can help you determine program or loan options. Additionally, FarmRaiseoffers an FSA educational hub with livestock disaster assistance decision tools as well as farm loan resource videos.
Disaster Recovery Programs: Flexibilities and Waivers
USDA has issued program delivery flexibilities and waivers. We know this is a lot of information, but we want you to know what's available as quickly as possible. As the recovery process progresses, there may be more flexibilities and waivers needed. Updated information will be timely shared as details unfold.
The information below describes some of the current program flexibilities and waivers, as of Oct. 3, 2024, available for producers impacted by Hurricane Helene. To learn about benefits available through our recovery programs including those listed below, please view the Disaster-at-a-Glance fact sheet.
Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) and Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP):
Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP):
Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish (ELAP):
Tree Assistance Program (TAP):
Non-Insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP):
Marketing Assistance Loans (MAL):
Contact USDA
When you're ready, we're ready. To file a Notice of Loss or to ask questions about available programs, contact your local USDA Service Center.
USDA has resources available through the FSA call center at 877-508-8364, the USDA hotline at 833-ONE-USDA (663-8732), or producers can access program information online at farmers.gov.