Disaster
Assistance
Natural
disaster is a constant threat to
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.