Farmers, Ranchers Encouraged to Apply for Disaster Assistance 

Release Date: April 11, 2006
Release Number: 1603-436

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BATON ROUGE, La. -- Disaster assistance may be available to Louisiana farmers and ranchers who have suffered damage or incurred losses as a result of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Louisiana Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.

"We understand the needs of rural Louisianans," said Scott Wells, federal coordinating officer. "Farmers and ranchers are a strong part of many communities. We want to make sure they’re aware of the help available to rebuild their operations and recover."

For those who are eligible, low-interest emergency loans are available for production loss to crops and physical losses including livestock and farm buildings. Funds to rehabilitate farmland by removing debris, grading, shaping and re-leveling, restoring fences, and other conservation measures may also be available.

For information about Emergency Loan Assistance, Emergency Conservation Program, and Non-insured Crop Disaster Assistance Loans and "on-farm" grain storage, farmers and ranchers are encouraged to contact their local U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and local Farm Service Agency (FSA) representatives as soon as possible for emergency assistance.

More information can also be found at: http://disaster.fsa.usda.gov and the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline: 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854). The hearing or speech impaired may contact (TTY) 1-800-256-7072.

FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 11-Apr-2006 14:16:10