Hurricane Ian Disaster Information for Ag Producers

 As an update for those seeking assistance with disaster recovery from Hurricane Ian, there is a good "Disaster at a Glance" information sheet from the USDA showing programs that may offer financial assistance to help ag producers in their recovery efforts.  Please check out this link and see what programs might be in place to help you out.  farmersgov-disaster-assistance-brochure-07-21-2022.pdf

Also, here is a link to a factsheet on FEMA information for assistance for individuals and households. FEMA LINK

Natural Resource and Conservation Service also posted this information about qualifying for EQIP (Environmental Quality Incentives Program) that will help pay for things like fencing, high tunnels, and other conservation and land management practices:

Twenty-seven Florida Counties Identified for USDA Emergency Conservation Program Assistance

GAINESVILLE, FL – October 7, 2022 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) can provide payments, through conservation program contracts, for Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) conservation practices to help agricultural landowners and producers address disaster related resource concerns on their land. To expedite Hurricane Ian disaster recovery, USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is issuing early start waivers in EQIP emergency declaration counties, to allow commencement of key conservation practices prior to conservation program contract approval, announced Juan C. Hernandez, NRCS State Conservationist.

Twenty-seven Florida counties are identified for EQIP Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) Assistance:  Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Clay, Collier, Desoto, Flagler, Glades, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Martin, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, and Volusia.

Agricultural producers and landowners interested in submitting an EQIP ECP application, and who are unable to reach their local NRCS office, can contact the NRCS State Office at (352) 338-9500 or email SM.NRCS.FL.DISASTERINFO@USDA.GOV to submit the following information:

Location where assistance is requested (county, city, and major crossroads)

Contact name and email address

Phone number (state if mobile/cell; able to receive calls and/or text messages)

Nature of need for assistance