USDA Disaster Assistance Application Deadline is Nov. 20 for Certain 2017, 2018 and 2019 Crop Loss

Contact:
FPAC.BC.Press@usda.gov

GAINESVILLE, FL, Nov. 12, 2020 – USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds producers in Florida that that Friday, Nov. 20 is the last day to submit applications for disaster assistance for eligible losses caused by Tropical Storm Cindy in 2017 as well as peach and blueberry losses due to extreme cold or hurricanes in 2017 and 2018.

The Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act, 2019 (the Act) amended the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 to provide assistance for additional losses under the 2017 Wildfires and Hurricanes Indemnity Program (WHIP).

 “The last several crop years, dating back to 2017, have been financially devastating due to catastrophic, widespread and frequent natural disaster events,” said Sherry McCorkle, FSA State Executive Director for Florida. “There’s still time to submit an application for assistance so I encourage all eligible producers to contact your local FSA to submit an application.”

The following natural disaster events or causes of loss are eligible for program benefits:

• 2017 calendar year losses from Tropical Storm Cindy;
• 2017 peach and blueberry losses because of extreme cold; and
• 2018 blueberry losses because of extreme cold and/or hurricane conditions in 2017.

For more information on FSA disaster assistance programs, please contact your local USDA service center or visit farmers.gov/recover. For all available USDA disaster assistance programs, USDA's disaster resources website.

All USDA Service Centers are open for business, including some that are open to visitors to conduct business in person by appointment only. All Service Center visitors wishing to conduct business with the FSA, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or any other Service Center agency should call ahead and schedule an appointment. Service Centers that are open for appointments will pre-screen visitors based on health concerns or recent travel, and visitors must adhere to social distancing guidelines. Visitors are required to wear a face covering during their appointment. Field work will continue with appropriate social distancing. Our program delivery staff will be in the office, and they will be working with our producers in office, by phone, and using online tools. More information can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus.