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In the wake of Hurricane Helene, which caused widespread devastation in the Southeast, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has deployed personnel to assist with recovery efforts. USDA is implementing contingency plans and program adjustments to ensure farmers, foresters, and communities receive the necessary support. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, along with Farm Service Agency Administrator Zach Ducheneaux, visited affected areas with President Biden to assess the damage and meet with residents. Secretary Vilsack emphasized the importance of extending program signup opportunities and expediting recovery efforts on working lands.

USDA is urging impacted individuals to take advantage of the resources available to them. Producers can contact USDA offices for assistance, even if some offices are currently inaccessible due to the storm. The Farm Service Agency Call Center can help direct producers to available staff, and more information is available online at farmers.gov. Additionally, USDA is holding virtual briefings to provide information on disaster assistance programs for agricultural operations.

For farmers with Federal crop insurance, USDA has instructed crop insurance companies to expedite loss adjustments and make necessary payments within 30 days. It is essential for producers to document damages and losses and report them to the Farm Service Agency. USDA has also implemented flexibilities in various disaster assistance programs to support recovery efforts.

Through programs like the Livestock Indemnity Program, Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program, and Tree Assistance Program, USDA is providing assistance for losses incurred due to the hurricane. The agency is also offering recovery options through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and Emergency Watershed Protection Program.

USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service has issued flexibilities and waivers for its nutrition programs to ensure emergency meal providers can reach more people quickly in affected states. Additional information on USDA disaster assistance programs can be found on farmers.gov.

USDA Rural Development is working with local governments to assist with the long-term recovery of rural communities impacted by the hurricane. The agency is exploring options within existing programs to address housing assistance, water infrastructure needs, support for rural businesses, and more.

Under the Biden-Harris administration, USDA is focused on transforming America’s food system and ensuring access to safe, healthy, and nutritious food for all communities. To learn more about USDA’s initiatives, visit usda.gov.

# USDA is committed to providing equal opportunities for all.

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