NESDIS – National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced they are prepared to help farmers, ranchers and communities recover from damages brought on by Tropical Storm Elsa. Georgia agricultural producers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center to learn about the programs available to help them recover. This includes programs covering crop, land, infrastructure, and livestock losses. Local governments are also reminded that USDA can assist with the cost of recovery efforts like debris removal and streambank stabilization to address natural resource concerns and hazards through the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program.
State conservationist for USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Georgia, Terrance O. Rudolph said, “It appears the recent tropical storm may have spared most of our farm, ranch and forestland in Georgia, but sometimes these heavy rain events cause damages to our waterways which may create flooding to nearby property. We stand ready to assist communities restore these areas and reduce any potential threats to life and property.”
The deadline to submit for assistance related to Tropical Storm Elsa is September 6, 2021.
USDA also offers a program to help livestock producers who have experienced storm related mass mortalities in the recovery process. The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) can help producers dispose of those carcasses in an environmentally safe manner, but also in cooperation with the Georgia Department of Agriculture, if applicable.
For more information contact your local USDA service center.