To help residents, farmers, and ranchers affected by the
devastation caused by recent flooding, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny
Perdue has directed the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to aid people in
their recovery efforts. USDA staff in the regional, state, and county offices
are responding and providing a variety of program flexibilities and other
assistance to residents, agricultural producers, and impacted communities at
large.
"Recent flooding in the Midwest and along the Missouri
and Mississippi River Valleys has caused devastating impacts across the region,
and USDA has personnel and resources devoted to helping farmers and communities
recover after this storm," Secretary Perdue said. "I encourage area
farmers and ranchers to contact their local USDA Service Center so we can work
with them to identify the resources and tools needed to reestablish their
operations. While farmers and ranchers in the area are resilient, the pain is
real. We will do everything in our power at USDA to be as helpful as we
possibly can."
On Thursday, President Trump declared that a major disaster
exists in the Nebraska counties of Butler, Cass, Colfax, Dodge, Douglas,
Nemaha, Sarpy, Saunders, and Washington.
When major disasters strike, USDA has an emergency loan
program that provides eligible farmers low-interest loans to help them recover
from production and physical losses. USDA also offers additional programs
tailored to the needs of specific agricultural sectors to help producers
weather the financial impacts of major disasters and rebuild their operations.
Livestock owners and contract growers who experience above
normal livestock deaths due to specific weather events, as well as to disease
or animal attacks, may qualify for assistance under USDA's Livestock Indemnity
Program. Producers who suffer losses to or are prevented from planting
agricultural commodities not covered by federal crop insurance may be eligible
for assistance under USDA's Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program if the
losses were due to natural disasters.
USDA's Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and
Farm-Raised Fish Program provides payments to these producers to help
compensate for losses due to disease (including cattle tick fever), and adverse
weather or other conditions, such as blizzards and wildfires, that are not
covered by certain other disaster programs.
USDA provides financial resources through its Environmental
Quality Incentives Program for immediate needs and long-term support to help
recover from natural disasters and conserve water resources.
Orchardists and nursery tree growers in the affected area
may be eligible for assistance through USDA's Tree Assistance Program to help
replant or rehabilitate eligible trees, bushes, and vines damaged by natural
disasters.
USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has
information about protecting livestock on its Protecting Livestock During a
Disaster page. Additionally, the agency is helping to meet the emergency needs
of pets and their owners, as inspectors are coordinating closely with zoos,
breeders, and other licensed facilities in the region to ensure the safety of
animals in their care.
As residents make it back into their homes, USDA Food Safety
and Inspection Service (FSIS) is helping ensure they are taking the proper
steps to reduce the risk of foodborne illness. Food safety tips after a power
outage and flooding are available on the FSIS website.
USDA encourages those whose homes flooded during the storm
to take steps to protect the safety of their food.