The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has two programs to help agricultural producers recover from a disaster. The deadline to apply is Jan. 30.
Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees & Farm-raised Fish
The Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees & Farm-raised Fish program helps farmers, ranchers, small honey producers and fish nurseries with financial help after losses caused by Helene. It includes those items not covered by other disaster assistance programs, like feed and hay for livestock as well as grazing losses. Eligible livestock, honeybee or fish producers who certify they are socially disadvantaged, limited resource, beginning or a veteran farmer or rancher will receive 90% of the payment rate for the losses. You can apply for assistance at your local Farm Service Agency center.
For more information, visit: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/ELAP.
Tree Assistance Program
The Tree Assistance Program helps qualifying nursery owners, orchardists and vineyards replant or rehabilitate trees, bushes, shrubs and vines damaged or lost in a disaster. Eligible trees, bushes and vines are those from which an annual crop is produced for commercial purposes. Nursery trees include ornamental, fruit, nut and Christmas trees produced for commercial sale.
For more information, visit: Tree Assistance Program. Applications can be submitted at your local USDA Service Center. To locate a nearby center, click: Find Your Local USDA Service Center.
USDA offers a number of programs to help farm operation’s recover from Helene. The Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service and Risk Management Agency are ready to assist impacted producers with programs to help with debris removal, land rehabilitation, and animal, crop and tree losses. Hurricane Preparation and Recovery Resources | Farmers.gov has fact sheets and FAQs to guide the way.