USDA Mobilizes to Assist Those Affected by Sandy

By CnAgri2012-11-01 19:12:37 Print

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is taking steps in coordination with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to assist those affected by Hurricane Sandy. In addition to working with FEMA and other departments, agencies, state and local governments, USDA is also reaching out to farmers and ranchers in states affected by recent extreme weather.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, USDA personnel are working areas including Rural Development, which is reaching out to all telecommunications, electric and water system borrowers to assess any damages and offer full and immediate assistance where necessary.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service also announced that it is advancing Emergency Watershed Protection technical assistance funds to 10 States in the affected region to assist in disaster recovery.

And the Food and Nutrition Service has made an effort to contact state partners to offer food assistance to those in need in areas affected by a disaster.

The Farm Service Agency is urging producers in need or those with questions to contact their local county or state USDA Service Center or Farm Service Agency office for assistance and to keep thorough records of all losses, including livestock death losses, as well as additional expenses for such things as feed purchases and extraordinary costs because of lost supplies and temporary shelters or transportation.