The USDA has extended the deadline for applications for Hurricane Ian Assistance through September 25th.

Hurricane Ian did a significant amount of damage to Florida ag producers in September of 2022. Thankfully, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has extended the deadline for applications for relief through the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) for Florida ag producers, according to a Citrus Industry article. The new deadline is September 25th. See further details below.

Hurricane Ian Assistance Deadline Extended

Details from the article include:

“ECP provides financial assistance to producers to help them restore their farmland to pre-disaster conditions. Approved ECP applicants may receive up to 75% of the cost of an approved restoration activity. Limited resource producers, socially disadvantaged participants and beginning farmers and ranchers may receive up to 90% cost-share. The payment limitation for ECP is $500,000 per disaster event.

The approved ECP practices under this authorization for Hurricane Ian recovery include:

  • Removing debris from farmland
  • Grading, shaping, releveling or similar measures
  • Replacing or repairing permanent fences
  • Restoring conservation structures and other installations

Hurricane-impacted producers must apply for assistance and receive written approval prior to beginning restoration work. Restoration work initiated prior to written approval may not qualify for ECP assistance.

FSA county committees will evaluate applications based on an applicant’s estimates or measurements of the damaged land, taking into consideration the type and extent of the damage. On-site visits will only be required for conservation structures. Application submission does not guarantee that cost-share funding will be provided.

The use of ECP funds is limited to activities to return the land to the relative pre-disaster condition. Conservation concerns that were present on the land prior to the disaster are not eligible for ECP assistance.

In addition to ECP, USDA offers a full suite of disaster assistance programs to help Florida producers recover from Hurricane Ian. Information about these programs is provided in USDA’s Hurricane Ian recovery news release issued on Oct. 14, 2022.

The Hurricane resources webpage,  Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool, Disaster Assistance Programs at a Glance fact sheet, and Loan Assistance Tool can help producers and landowners determine program or loan options. For assistance with a crop insurance claim, producers and landowners should contact their crop insurance agent. For FSA and Natural Resources Conservation Program needs, they should contact their local USDA Service Center.”

Griffin Fertilizer is committed to helping both growers and ranchers make sound agronomic and economic decisions in order to maximize the health of their grove and pasture. As a full-service custom dry & liquid fertilizer blender and crop protection product distributor, we will continue our mission to further advance Florida agriculture. For questions -or concerns about your farm or pasture, contact us and one of our team will be in touch.