Eastern Oregon producers urged to utilize USDA Assistance Programs post-wildfires
By Joe Hathaway on Friday, July 26th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
EASTERN OREGON – As wildfires continue to devastate eastern Oregon, local agricultural producers are being encouraged to document their losses meticulously to qualify for federal disaster assistance. The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) offers several relief programs to support those affected by natural disasters.
Key Assistance Programs:
- Non-Insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP): Provides financial aid for non-insurable crop losses due to natural disasters, including excessive wind and drought affecting native grass for grazing.
- Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP): Offers payments for livestock death losses exceeding normal mortality rates due to adverse weather conditions. Producers must submit a notice of loss to their local FSA office by March 1, 2025.
- Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP): Provides emergency relief for losses from feed or water shortages, disease, and other conditions not covered by other disaster programs. Notices of loss must be submitted by January 30, 2025.
- Emergency Conservation Program (ECP): Provides emergency funding for rehabilitating land severely damaged by natural disasters, including fence loss.
Documentation Requirements:
To qualify for these programs, producers must provide verifiable documentation of losses. Essential records include:
- Photographs or video evidence of livestock death losses.
- Rendering truck receipts and disposal records.
- Birth recordings or purchase receipts for livestock.
- Documentation from relevant agencies substantiating death losses due to eligible conditions.
- Receipts for transporting livestock feed and purchasing feed due to destroyed pastures.
- Records of water transported to livestock due to shortages.
Local Resources and Contacts:
Producers can access further support and technical expertise through various local agencies:
- OSU Extension Service: Offers guidance on livestock health, post-fire rehabilitation, and land management. Contact the Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center at (541) 573-8900 for technical expertise.
- Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs): Provide funding for emergency water development, fencing, and seeding. Contact details for SWCD offices across the region are available for specific program offerings.
- Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS): For long-term management needs, NRCS field offices provide funding and technical support.
For immediate assistance and to learn more about available disaster relief programs, producers are advised to contact their local FSA office or visit Farmers.gov and Oregon State University’s Fire Program.
