Disaster Assistance

Natural disaster is a constant threat to America's farmers and ranchers. From drought to flood, freeze, tornadoes, or other calamity, natural events can severely hurt even the best run agricultural operation.  If your farming or ranching operation has suffered a loss due to a natural disaster, you may be eligible for assistance under one or more of the following programs.  Federal crop insurance also is available for a growing number of crops. 

 

NEW!  Emergency Assistance for Livestock Producers:  The 2002 Farm Bill authorizes a new program to provide assistance to dairy and other livestock producers to cover economic losses due to natural disasters.  Under this program, USDA may provide indemnity payments to producers who incur livestock mortality losses, livestock feed assistance to producers affected by shortages of feed, and other assistance as determined appropriate by USDA.

 

NEW!  The Tree Assistance Program (TAP): The 2002 Farm Bill establishes a new program to provide assistance to eligible orchardists that planted trees for commercial purposes but lost such trees as a result of a natural disaster.  Orchardists qualify for assistance only if tree mortality exceeds 15%.  Eligible participants may receive a reimbursement of either 75% of the cost of replanting eligible trees lost or, at the discretion of the Secretary, sufficient seedlings to reestablish the stand.

 

T  Emergency Loan Assistance (EM Loans): USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA) provides emergency loans to help qualifying producers recover from production and physical losses due to drought, flooding and other natural disasters.  Emergency loan funds may be used to restore or replace essential property; pay all or part of production costs associated with the disaster year; pay essential family living expenses; reorganize the farming operation; and refinance certain debts.

 

NEW!  Emergency Haying and Grazing:  The 2002 Farm Bill establishes more flexible rules for haying and grazing on land enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program.  Under the new rules, USDA may permit managed haying and grazing, consistent with the conservation of soil, water quality and wildlife habitat, managed harvesting and grazing on CRP land at a reduced rate.  Harvesting and grazing or other commercial use of the forage is permitted in response to a drought or other emergency.  However, the Secretary is required to ensure that all precautions are taken to protect against overgrazing or haying or use of land during a period that may adversely impact wildlife habitat or wildlife directly, especially ensuring that activities take place after nesting season is completed.

 

T  The Emergency Conservation Program (ECP): provides emergency funding for farmers and ranchers to rehabilitate farmland damaged by wind erosion, floods, hurricanes, or other natural disasters, and for carrying out emergency water conservation measures during periods of severe drought.