Since the major December snowstorm in the Southern Tier, Cornell Cooperative Extension, in collaboration with our colleagues at the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets and NY Farm Bureau, has been working to collect damage assessment data for the agriculture sector in that region. We have presented our initial findings to the USDA for consideration in informing any decisions around a potential disaster declaration.
A disaster declaration would make producers in affected counties eligible for Emergency Loans. As of today, we have not yet received any status updates from the USDA on a potential disaster declaration, but know that conversations are ongoing.
Meanwhile, the USDA has provided information on their regular operating loans, which have a lower interest rate than Emergency Loans. These are loans that DO NOT require a disaster declaration for eligibility.
Additionally, the USDA has stated that producers who have lost animals in roof collapses may apply for the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP), which does not require a disaster declaration. The LIP also states that in addition to livestock fatalities, there may be compensation for animals that are significantly injured and lose value.
Links to fact sheets for USDA programs
Additional resources
- USDA Farm Service Agency locator – A website where producers can access the services provided by the Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the Rural Development agencies.
- NY FarmNet – Provides counseling and business assistance for farm-related crises.
CCE, NYS Agriculture and Markets, and NY Farm Bureau will continue working on the behalf of affected farmers.
