By NASA / Wikipedia
The USDA says its expediting assistance for producers affected by Hurricane Ian. USDA can provide payments, through conservation program contracts, for Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) conservation practices to help agricultural landowners and producers address disaster-related resource concerns on their land. To expedite Hurricane Ian disaster recovery, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is issuing early start waivers in EQIP emergency declaration counties, to allow the commencement of key conservation practices prior to conservation program contract approval. Juan C. Hernandez, NRCS State Conservationist, made the announcement this week. Interested producers who cannot reach their local office can contact the NRCS State Office at (352) 338-9500 or email SM.NRCS.FL.DISASTERINFO@USDA.GOV to submit the following information:
- Location where assistance is requested (county, city, and major crossroads)
- Contact name and email address
- Phone number (state if mobile/cell; able to receive calls and/or text messages)
- Nature of need for assistance
Twenty-eight Florida counties are identified for EQIP emergency assistance: Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Clay, Collier, Desoto, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Martin, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, and Volusia.
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Sabrina Halvorson
National Correspondent / AgNet Media, Inc.
Sabrina Halvorson is an award-winning journalist, broadcaster, and public speaker who specializes in agriculture. She primarily reports on legislative issues and hosts The AgNet Weekly podcast. Sabrina is a native of California’s agriculture-rich Central Valley.