Hurricane recovery assistance was top of mind when citrus growers met with U.S. Sen. Rick Scott and U.S. Rep. Scott Franklin April 11 in Highlands County. “The primary topic of conversation during the roundtable was encouraging Sen. Scott and Congressman Franklin to do everything in their power to get the Block Grant Assistance Act passed through Congress as quickly as …
USDA Providing Financial Assistance for Struggling Farmers
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that beginning in April it will provide approximately $123 million in additional financial assistance for qualifying farm loan program borrowers who are facing financial risk. This is a part of the $3.1 billion designated to help farm loan members that was provided through Section 22006 of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). This …
USDA Provides Assistance for Citrus Growers After Hurricane Ian
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently visited a citrus grove in Polk County, Florida, to survey the impact of Hurricane Ian and meet affected growers. He highlighted efforts by the U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help Florida producers recover from the devastating impact of hurricanes. USDA is working through nearly 2,500 requests for assistance following Hurricane Ian. It has aided …
USDA Highlights Disaster Assistance Available to Florida Producers Impacted by Hurricane Ian
Polk County, Florida – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack visited a citrus grove in Polk County, Florida on Thursday to survey the impact of Hurricane Ian and meet with producers impacted by the storm. The Secretary highlighted efforts by the U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) to assist growers in rebuilding their operations and increase their bottom lines. “We know how devastating …
Deadline Looming for Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds specialty crop farmers that assistance is available to help cover expenses of complying with regulatory and market-driven food safety certification requirements. Applications for the Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops (FSCSC) program for eligible 2022 costs are due by Tuesday, Jan. 31. The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) will accept applications for 2023 …
New USDA Aid Packages Announced
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Nov. 15 announced plans for additional emergency relief and pandemic assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). USDA is preparing to roll out the Emergency Relief Program (ERP) Phase Two as well as the new Pandemic Assistance Revenue Program (PARP). The two programs help offset crop and revenue losses for growers. USDA is sharing early information to help …
USDA Launches Loan Assistance Tool to Enhance Customer Service
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) launched a new online tool to help farmers and ranchers better navigate the farm loan application process. This uniform application process will help to ensure all farm loan applicants receive equal support and have a consistent customer experience with USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) regardless of their individual circumstances. “USDA recognizes more …
USDA Provides Payments of nearly $800 Million in Assistance to Help Keep Farmers Farming
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced this week that distressed borrowers with qualifying USDA farm loans have already received nearly $800 million in assistance, as part of the $3.1 billion in assistance for distressed farm loan borrowers provided through Section 22006 of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The IRA directed USDA to expedite assistance to distressed borrowers of direct …
Hurricane Ian Recovery Resources for Growers
Florida Citrus Mutual’s crop estimate luncheon on Oct. 12 included the live announcement of the citrus crop forecast. But the focus of the event was on resources growers can tap into for assistance after Hurricane Ian. Speakers from various agencies shared information that can aid grower recovery efforts. “After the storm, we knew whatever number (for the citrus crop estimate) …
Forest Service Agencies Urge North Carolinians to Use Caution
RALEIGH – With the impending arrival of fall wildfire season, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service and North Carolina (N.C.) Forest Service are reminding the public to exercise caution when engaging in recreational burning. Peak months for the fall fire season extend from October through early December. Fires left unattended can get out of hand quickly, becoming wildfires that …