USDA Winter Storm Fern Recovery Assistance Now Available
Message from USDA Farm Service Agency – Mississippi Executive Director Chris McDonald
 MS Farmers, Ranchers, and Landowners:As you are aware, Winter Storm Fern significantly impacted North Mississippi. I hope you and your family were not affected by the storm. However, if you were, I want to provide information regarding disaster assistance that USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) provides. Following is information regarding disaster programs that may be relevant to Winter Storm Fern for your county (North MS Counties). Please contact your local USDA Service Center for county/programmatic specific information. If you wish to participate in any FSA disaster program related to Winter Storm Fern, do not initiate any major disaster “clean-up” activity on your property without first contacting your local USDA Service Center. Below is information regarding disaster assistance that FSA provides for agricultural operations related to Winter Storm Fern. FSA is currently evaluating options for landowners with impacted Conservation Reserve Program timber stands. Producers with Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) coverage should report losses to their FSA office within 72 hours of discovering damage. Producers with Federal Crop Insurance should report losses to their crop insurance agent. Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) Provides assistance to repair and restore farmland affected by natural disasters. Covered Practices: Removing debris from farmland, Grading, shaping, or leveling land, Restoring permanent fences, and Restoring conservation structures. Up to 75% cost share. Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) Helps owners of non-industrial private forests to restore forest health damaged by natural disasters. The local FSA County Committee implements EFRP for all disasters with the exception of drought and insect infestations. In the case of drought or an insect infestation, the national FSA office authorizes EFRP implementation. Up to 75% cost share. Residential sites are not eligible for EFRP. Tree Assistance Program (TAP) Provides financial assistance to qualifying orchardists and nursery tree growers to replant or rehabilitate eligible trees, bushes and vines damaged by natural disasters. Eligible trees, bushes, and vines are those from which an annual crop is produced for commercial purposes. Nursery trees include ornamental, fruit, nut and Christmas trees produced for commercial sale. Trees used for pulp or timber are not eligible for TAP assistance. Producers and landowners can use tools on farmers.gov, including the Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool and Disaster Assistance-at-a-Glance fact sheet, to identify applicable recovery programs. For crop insurance claims, contact your insurance agent. For FSA or NRCS programs, reach out to your local USDA Service Center. Chris McDonald State Executive Director Farm Service Agency – Mississippi |
