A Guide for Producers Impacted by Winter Storm Fern: Agricultural producers facing the aftermath of natural disasters have access to a suite of recovery programs through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA). FSA Administrator Bill Beam has outlined several key initiatives designed to help farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners rehabilitate their operations and recover financial losses.
Below is a breakdown of the primary assistance programs available for disaster recovery.
1. Livestock and Feed Losses (ELAP)
The Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP) is designed to aid producers facing losses due to eligible adverse weather or other loss conditions.
- Coverage: This program covers specific losses that are not covered by other disaster programs, including compensation for feed and grazing losses.
2. Forest Restoration (EFRP)
For landowners with private forest land, the Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) provides essential funding to address damage caused by natural disasters.
- Purpose: The program focuses on restoring privately owned forests that have been damaged by natural disasters, helping owners return their land to a healthy state.
3. Orchards and Nurseries (TAP)
The Tree Assistance Program (TAP) offers targeted support for growers of trees, bushes, and vines.
- Who it serves: Qualifying orchardists and nursery tree growers.
- Assistance provided: TAP provides financial cost-sharing assistance to help producers replant or, where applicable, rehabilitate eligible trees, bushes, and vines damaged by natural disaster.
4. Farmland Rehabilitation (ECP)
Farmers and ranchers needing to repair damaged agricultural land can utilize the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP).
- Support: This program provides both emergency funding and technical assistance.
- Goal: The funds are used to help rehabilitate farmland that has been damaged by natural disasters, ensuring it can be returned to productive use.
5. Non-Insured Crop Losses (NAP)
The Non-insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) acts as a safety net for producers of crops that are not covered by traditional crop insurance.
- Coverage: NAP provides financial assistance to protect against disasters that result in lower yields, crop losses, or prevented crop planting.
- Critical Requirement: Administrator Beam emphasizes that to be eligible for this assistance, producers must have obtained their NAP coverage for the year in which the loss occurs.
1. Contact Your Local USDA Service Center
The most direct way to get answers regarding these programs is to contact your local FSA County Office.
- Locate your office: You can find the nearest USDA Service Center using the locator tool at farmers.gov/service-center-locator or offices.sc.egov.usda.gov.
- Make an appointment: It is often recommended to call ahead and schedule an appointment to ensure staff are available to review your specific situation.
2. Visit Online Resources
You can access fact sheets, program details, and decision tools online:
- Farmers.gov: The “Protection and Recovery” section covers disaster assistance.
- FSA.USDA.gov: The official Farm Service Agency website lists specific eligibility requirements for programs like ELAP, TAP, and NAP.
3. Prepare for Your Visit
When you contact the office, be prepared to discuss:
- Dates of loss: When the disaster occurred.
- Type of loss: Whether it involves grazing, trees, crops, or physical land damage.
- Existing coverage: For the Non-Insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP), the provided text notes that you must have obtained coverage for the year in which the loss occurs to be eligible.
