The Minnesota Department of Agriculture offers assistance to affected
farmers in a number of ways.
Disaster Loan Program
The Disaster Recovery Loan Program is designed to help farmers pay for the cost of clean-up and removal of debris, lost seed or other crop inputs (including machinery repair), feed and livestock when damaged by high winds, hail, tornado or flood and not covered by insurance. The program offers affordable financing to repair existing agricultural buildings to pre-disaster conditions.
*** Applications must be received by August 1, 2008 to qualify under the 2007 disaster declarations.
Farm Advocate Program
Our Farm Advocate Program provides farmers,
small business operators and other residents with one-on-one assistance.
They are trained and experienced in helping farmers access federal
aid and other resources available to them in a time of crisis. They
are also trained to provide emotional support for those recovering
from floods and other natural disasters.
Rural Finance Authority Programs
Ag Improvement Loan Program - This loan program can provide
financing for buildings that have been lost to flooding and are
being replaced with new buildings.
Restructure II Loan Program - Farmers can use this loan program
to refinance their debt, which will provide them with funds to repair
flood damage of an agricultural nature. Under this program, the RFA
works with a local lender to help farmers.
Other Programs
The MDA also provides farmers and small-business owners with technical
information they can use when cleaning up and starting over after
the flood waters recede. The MDA's Dairy
& Food Inspection Division also inspects grocery
stores and other food facilities to assess damage and help determine
when they may reopen.
In addition to these state programs and activities, the MDA is
working closely with federal officials in the Farm Service Agency
to determine the needs of farmers affected by the flooding.
Assistance for flood damage may also be available through the
Federal Farm Service Agency. USDA's Natural Resources Conservation
Service (NRCS) or the Small Business Administration (SBA). Call
the office nearest you.
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