Georgia Produce Growers Look for Relief After Series of Strong Storms
When it rains, it pours. That has been the case for fruit and vegetable growers in Georgia lately. A series of strong storms over the last few weeks has left growers looking for some relief.
The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) is reminding local producers to document losses and tap into available USDA-based disaster programs.
“Strict thresholds must be met in order to declare a disaster area so it is vitally important that each occurrence be reported. We advise growers to report storm and or excessive moisture issues at your earliest convenience,” reads an alert sent to members.
To aid growers in disaster recovery, University of Georgia Extension provides the following first steps:
- COLLECT DOCUMENTATION – Before starting any cleanup activity, make sure to take pictures of damage and losses that have occurred.
- CONTACT YOUR INSURANCE AGENT – If you have crop insurance, contact your crop insurance agent to report losses or damages. It is important to do this before starting any cleanup activities so that everything can be documented properly. Furthermore, farmers need to notify their crop insurance agent within 72 hours of the discovery of a loss. Farmers should provide a signed, written notice within 15 days of the loss.
- CONTACT THE FSA FOR ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE – If you may be eligible for the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) or other disaster assistance programs, contact the local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) office. It is important to do this before starting any cleanup activities so that everything can be documented properly and a waiver can be issued before cleanup. For more information on USDA Disaster Assistance Programs, click here.
RELATED CONTENT: Are You Covered? How Farmers Can Stay a Step Ahead of Disaster
On another weather-related note, Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack has just issued a natural disaster declaration for numerous Georgia counties following the March freezes that caused significant damage to Georgia’s peach crop as well as other commodities. This declaration allows FSA to extend essential emergency credit to Georgia farmers.
Has your farm experienced any crop damage or loss from extreme weather in 2023?
- Yes (75%, 3 Votes)
- No (25%, 1 Votes)
Total Voters: 4
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