Oct 8, 2024USDA offers resources and updates to disaster assistance programs USDA mobilizes resources for farmers affected by Hurricane Helene
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which severely impacted communities, farms and businesses across parts of the Southeast, the USDA is ramping up efforts to assist with recovery.
Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and Farm Service Agency Administrator Zach Ducheneaux visited Florida and Georgia with President Joe Biden on Thursday to assess the storm’s damage and meet with farmers.
“USDA is taking steps to keep farms viable and to help rural communities recover as quickly as possible,” Vilsack said during the visit. The department has deployed 190 staff, including U.S. Forest Service personnel, to assist with disaster response, including debris removal.
Farmers and ranchers in affected areas can access various USDA disaster assistance programs. These include expanded signup periods for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) and Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP), starting Oct. 15. Flexibilities in disaster assistance programs are also available to expedite aid for those with crop, livestock, and infrastructure losses.
The USDA is expediting crop insurance payments, with USDA officials instructing companies to speed up loss adjustments. Payments are expected within 30 days. Farmers are encouraged to report crop, livestock, and infrastructure losses to their local USDA Service Centers, even if those centers are temporarily closed.
“Producers should document losses with photos and inventory records,” said Vilsack. The USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) also encourages producers to contact their local FSA office or the Farm Service Agency Call Center at 877-508-8364 for assistance.
Additionally, USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) is working to help expedite insurance claims. The Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) offers aid for feed, transport and water costs in hurricane-affected areas.
For more information, farmers can visit farmers.gov or call the FSA hotline.
