Florida Agriculture Commissioner
Tallahassee, Fla. – Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried reminds producers about federal disaster assistant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) ahead of frigid temperatures this weekend.
Growers need to keep accurate records of any losses and damages. Producers should contact their local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) office to file a Notice of Loss or to learn more about available programs and required documentation.
“I encourage all producers to prepare as best you can ahead of the anticipated cold front, including being aware of potential disaster assistance programs and their requirements,” said Commissioner Fried. “Florida farmers are resilient in the face of many challenges, from a global pandemic to unfair foreign trade to extreme weather events, but we are thankful for the resources shared by our federal partners should losses occur.”
What’s Available?
Risk Management: Producers who have risk protection through Federal Crop Insurance or the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) should report crop damage to their crop insurance agent or the local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office.
Producers with crop insurance should contact their agency within 72 hours of discovering damage and be sure to follow up in writing within 15 days. If you have NAP coverage, file a Notice of Loss (also called Form CCC-576) within 15 days of loss becoming apparent, except for hand-harvested crops, which should be reported within 72 hours.
Documentation: It’s critical to keep accurate records to document all losses following this devastating cold weather event. Livestock producers are advised to document beginning livestock numbers by taking time and date-stamped video or pictures prior to after the loss. Other common documentation options include purchase records, production records, vaccination records, bank or other loan documents, and third-party certification.