By Jamie Martin
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Florida is gearing up to support local farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners devastated by recent hurricanes through an informative webinar. Scheduled for November 25, 2024, this session aims to navigate the complexities of disaster recovery.
Deborah Tannenbaum, FSA State Executive Director in Florida, emphasized the urgency of the situation. "The Farm Service Agency is here to help Florida agriculture recover from damages caused by hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton," she stated, underlining the comprehensive aid available through various USDA programs.
Participants can access the webinar online or via phone, ensuring wide accessibility for all affected individuals, including those with disabilities. The session will cover crucial programs like the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) and Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP), which have been adapted to hasten recovery efforts.
Important modifications include extended signup deadlines, waived inspection requirements, and streamlined approval processes for urgent recovery activities.
Additional topics will include the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) and the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP), which provide essential support for producers facing losses. These programs are designed to alleviate the financial burdens of lost livestock and increased operational costs due to natural disasters.
This webinar represents a critical step in the USDA’s effort to facilitate a swift and effective recovery for Florida's agricultural community, ensuring that those impacted by the hurricanes can return to stability and productivity with robust federal support.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National