Looking for flooding resources for farmers in VT?
We've compiled some of the information here!
Flooding Disaster Response and Recovery Resources | Agency of Agriculture Food and Markets (vermont.gov)
What farmers affected by flooding should do now:
1. Document damage to your farm from flooding and severe storms that began July 10, 2024 to the best of your ability. Farms and impacted businesses are encouraged to prepare for future program requirements by capturing date stamped photos, estimated crop loss, and infrastructure damage.
2. Report damage, including any damage to your home, on the Vermont 211 website or call 2-1- 1. Note that there are different forms to complete for “personal” and for “business” damage. Reporting damage to 211 will help determine whether a certain county is eligible for federal FEMA resources.
3. Contact your county USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Service Center to determine which federal agricultural disaster programs you may qualify for and submit relevant documentation. Reporting agricultural damages and losses to FSA supports a USDA Secretarial Disaster Designation for affected areas of Vermont that can result in additional federal programs for agricultural produce. Some crop and livestock programs are available immediately. Support for self-assessment of program availability can also be found here: https://www.farmers.gov/protection-recovery/disaster-tool.
4. Complete the 2024 Flood Loss and Damage Survey. VAAFM in coordination with the Vermont Agricultural Recovery Task Force is asking flood-impacted agricultural producers to participate in the 2024 Flood Loss and Damage Survey. The purpose of this survey is to capture the scale and location of the flood-related damage agricultural producers suffered throughout the state starting on July 10, 2024. The survey will remain open to capture information on loss and damages until the deadline of August 31, 2024. Responses will help policymakers and state leaders understand the extent and location of impacts across Vermont and support efforts to identify additional emergency relief funding. While there is no guarantee of additional federal or state funding, impact data will help demonstrate the magnitude of need within our agricultural community.
Additional steps that may be helpful and relevant:
1. Contact your insurance company with potential crop loss, anticipated yield reductions, or infrastructure damages. They may send an adjuster to document any claims. Private insurance may be the primary mechanism to recover financial losses due to flooding.
2. Contact your lenders to request a waiver on loan payments during this emergency period.
3. Connect with a trusted service provider to discuss your business or production concerns. If you are looking for a farm viability advisor, contact the Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program, and if you are seeking technical assistance contact your local Conservation districts or UVM Extension.
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