The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced several disaster assistance programs for farmers in New York who have been impacted by recent flooding. The programs, which are administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Risk Management Agency (RMA), offer financial assistance and flexibility to help farmers recover from the damage caused by the flooding.
Some of the key programs available to New York farmers include:
Farm Storage Facility Loans (FSFL): FSFL borrowers experiencing financial hardship can request an annual installment deferral which will extend the next installment due date by one year. FSFL provides eligible producers with financing to build or upgrade farm storage and handling facilities.
Emergency haying and grazing on Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres: For livestock producers in need of alternative feed sources, FSA is authorizing emergency haying for up to 60 calendar days or emergency grazing for up to 90 calendar days on CRP acres. CRP participants enter 10 to 15-year contracts and agree to remove environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production and plant species that re-establish valuable land cover to help improve water quality, prevent soil erosion and reduce loss of wildlife habitat.
Waiver of 72-hour notification requirement for filing a notice of loss for Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP): For producers who have a NAP policy on crop for which federal crop insurance is not available, FSA has waived the 72-hour notification requirement for filing a notice of loss for hand-harvested and other applicable crops. NAP provides financial assistance to producers of Non insurable crops when low yields, loss of inventory or prevented planting occur due to natural disasters. FSA has waived the 72-hour notification requirements for notice of loss for hand-harvested and other applicable crops.
Extension of deadline to file a notice of loss for Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP): The deadline to file a 2023 notice of loss for ELAP assistance has been extended to Jan. 30, 2024. ELAP compensates eligible producers for hive loss, stored feed and grazing losses.
Extension of deadline to file a notice of loss for the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP): The deadline for filing a notice of loss for the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) has been extended through Jan. 30, 2024. LIP provides benefits to eligible livestock owners and contract growers who experience livestock deaths more than normal mortality caused by specific adverse weather including floods.
Extension of deadline to apply and supporting documentation for Tree Assistance Program (TAP): The deadline for qualifying orchardists and nursery tree growers to apply and supporting documentation for Tree Assistance Program (TAP) has been extended through Jan. 30, 2024. TAP provides financial cost-share assistance to replant or, where applicable, rehabilitate eligible trees, bushes and vines lost by natural disasters.
In addition to these programs, FSA is also offering the following exceptions for acreage reporting requirements for producers in flood-impacted counties in New York:
2023 Crop Year: All acreage reports filed within 30 days after the acreage reporting date will be considered timely filed. This policy does not impact 2022 late-filed acreage reports which can only be accepted through the 2023 reporting date.
2024 Crop Year: For any crop that has an acreage reporting date before August 1, 2023, all acreage reports filed within 30 days after the reporting date will be considered timely.
Organic Plans: Extreme flooding has caused a delay in producers receiving organic certifications. Check with your local FSA office for extended dates to submit documentation.
Producers who are interested in learning more about these programs or who need assistance applying for them can contact their local FSA office.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-jj-gouin
Categories: New York, Crops, Livestock