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Disaster Assistance
- Disaster Assistance Guidance
- Emergency Conservation Program
- Crop Insurance Information
- Farm Risk Plans
- Coping with Disasters
- Disaster Assistance Guidance
October 1, 2009: U.S. SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE DECLARES NATURAL DISASTER IN 15 NJ COUNTIES (Atlantic, Cape May, Burlington, Camden, Cumberland, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, Salem, Somerset, Sussex and Warren Counties. Morris, Passaic and Union Counties are named as contiguous disaster counties.)
Click here to read the press release
September 9, 2009: GOVERNOR REQUESTS DISASTER DECLARATION FOR NINE COUNTIES AFTER SEVERE WEATHER CAUSES CROP DAMAGE (Atlantic, Cumberland, Cape May, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Monmouth, Salem and Somerset)
Click here to read the press release.
August 11, 2009: GOVERNOR REQUESTS DISASTER DECLARATION FOR SIX COUNTIES AFTER TORNADO, OTHER SEVERE WEATHER CAUSE FARM DAMAGE (Burlington, Camden Mercer, Ocean, Sussex and Warren)
Click here to read the press release.
Crop insurance is more important than ever for protection against weather hazards and federal disaster payment eligibility. To be eligible for the various federal disaster programs, producers must purchase at least catastrophic risk protection (CAT) level of crop insurance for all insurable crops and/or Noninsurable Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) coverage for all non-insurable crops.
When a county is declared a disaster by the USDA, eligible famers who qualify can request an Emergency Loan from FSA.
Emergency Loans -- Qualified farm operators in a disaster designated area are eligible for low interest (3.75 percent) emergency loans from FSA, provided eligibility requirements are met. Producers must have suffered at least a 30-percent loss in crop production or a physical loss to livestock, livestock products, real estate, or chattel property. Farmers in eligible counties have eight months from the date of the declaration to apply for loans to help cover part of their actual losses. FSA will consider each loan application on its own merits, taking into account the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability. Interested farmers may contact their local USDA Service Centers for further information on eligibility requirements and application procedures for these and other programs. Click here for additional information or contact the state FSA office at (609) 298-3446.
- Emergency Conservation Program
USDA Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) provides emergency funding and technical assistance for farmers and ranchers to rehabilitate farmland damaged by natural disasters and for carrying out emergency water conservation measures in periods of severe drought. Congress appropriates funding for ECP. Subject to availability of funds, ECP program participants receive cost-share assistance of up to 75 percent of the cost to implement approved emergency conservation practices, as determined by county FSA committees.
Visit the FSA program page for more information.
- Crop Insurance Information
Buying a crop insurance policy is one risk management option. Producers should always carefully consider how a policy will work in conjunction with their other risk management strategies to insure the best possible outcome each crop year. The USDA sponsored crop insurance program is a public/private partnership that provides protection nationally for over 100 crops, including limited protection plans for ag animal production. Crop insurance has changed drastically, and new and updated policies are much different than the policies available several years ago. These policies offer better protection and are tailored to specific needs of the policyholder. The federal government now offers higher premium subsidies, making crop insurance more affordable.
The Garden State Crop Insurance Education Initiative
Risk Management Agency, USDA
- Farm Risk Plans
The USDA's Risk Management Agency (RMA) provides an online resource to aid farmers and ranchers in focusing on how to protect against down-side risks, as well as how best to take advantage of up-side opportunities in the market. On this site, producers can complete a risk management checklist, identify their enterprise's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, and explore a wealth of risk management information.
Click here to go to the USDA's Farm Risk Planning page.
- Coping with Disasters
The emotional impact of a disaster can have a powerful effect on the mental health of individuals of all ages. If you notice that a loved one, friend or co-worker's behavior has substantially changed, reach out and ask them how they are doing. Please refer to the NJ Dept. of Human Services, Division of Mental Health website for more information: www.disastermentalhealthnj.com
If you or someone you know is having a strong emotional reaction that does not subside, trained counselors are available at toll-free 877-294-HELP, to discuss your/their thoughts and feelings.
