Weekly column by Ag Secretary Thomas Vilsack:
Last week, farmers and ranchers began signing up for disaster assistance programs
that were restored by the 2014 Farm Bill.
While it took a year to
implement disaster relief programs after the last farm bill was passed
in 2008, disaster programs were up and running in just 60 days this time
around, thanks to hardworking Farm Service Agency
(FSA) employees in more than 2,000 offices across the country. These
disaster programs will not replace all of the losses farmers and
ranchers faced, but it will provide some relief and help ensure that
extreme weather won’t cause families to lose the farm.
After
just one week, I am pleased to say that we’ve received more than 10,000
applications for these programs. About 95 percent of the
applications were for the Livestock Forage Program (LFP), which provides
payments to eligible producers for grazing losses. The high number of
applicants is no surprise considering the widespread, ongoing drought
that has plagued livestock producers in the West Coast and Midwestern
portions of the United States for nearly three consecutive years.
Our
livestock producers have waited long enough and we understand the
urgent need to provide payments in a timely manner. While the time for
application processing and review will vary depending on the complexity
and type of loss, the electronic payment and application systems are up
and running.
Since sign up began last week, we have processed nearly 60
percent of incoming applications and approved payments to help nearly
6,000 producers begin the recovery process.
The
program is off to an excellent start, but it doesn’t stop here. We will
continue to work through the spring and summer months to assist those
who have experienced disaster losses. FSA will provide monthly updates
at http://disaster.fsa.usda.gov, including data by state, number of applications, and payments issued.
In
the coming weeks and months, I encourage farmers and ranchers impacted
by drought, snowstorms and other unforeseen weather events to contact
their FSA county office
to make an appointment and learn if they are eligible for disaster
assistance. Depending on the program and year of the loss, you have
three to nine months to apply, and FSA staff can tell you what documents
and records you will need to apply.
As
we move into spring, drought and severe weather events continue to
impact farmers and ranchers across the country. Thanks to resources
provided in the new Farm Bill and our strong network of partners, I am
confident that USDA will be able to offer producers the surety they need
to invest confidently in the future and ensure a safe, affordable food
supply to millions of Americans for generations to come.
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