DISASTER RELIEF RESOURCES
Farming is never without risk, and when disaster strikes, the impacts on your land, animals, and livelihood can be devastating.
Here are some resources to help farmers recover from natural disasters and unexpected emergencies so that you don’t have to weather the storm alone.
Damaged crops at Gannon Organics after Hurricane Helene in 2024
First Steps After a Disaster:
Document Damage: Photograph affected crops, structures, and equipment.
Contact Local Agencies: Reach out to your local FSA and NRCS offices to report damage and begin applications.
Check Insurance Policies: Notify your crop insurance agent as soon as possible.
Monitor Deadlines: Many programs have tight application windows following a disaster.
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USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA):
Emergency Conservation Program (ECP): Funding for repairing farmland and infrastructure.
Tree Assistance Program (TAP): Financial help for rehabilitating or replanting damaged trees, bushes, and vines.
Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP): Assistance for crops not covered by federal insurance.
Emergency Loan Program: Low-interest loans for recovery efforts.
USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA):
Emergency Relief Program (ERP): Federal Crop Insurance and Natural Disaster Resources
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS):
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP): Support for conservation practices that enhance resilience.
Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP): Assistance with flooding or erosion caused by snowmelt.
Rural Development Disaster Assistance: USDA Rural Development Resources
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA):
FEMA Disasters & Assistance: Disaster Information, Assistance, and Recovery Tools.
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Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA):
Georgia Agricultural Disaster Response: Updates and assistance during declared agricultural disasters.
University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension:
Weather Emergency Guide: Educational tools for recovering from extreme weather.
Local Extension Agents: Free technical support for assessing damage.
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Farmer Resource Network: Emergency funds and regional support connections.
Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI):
Educational resources for disaster recovery & Disaster Hotline.
Emergency Farmer Fund: Relief funding during natural disasters.
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Small Business Administration (SBA):
Disaster Assistance Loans: Low-interest loans for rebuilding farm infrastructure.
Guidance on disaster declarations and insurance claims.