FSA Create An On-line Account Before Disaster Strikes

FSA is urging farmers and ranchers to create a Login.gov account now, before disaster assistance is needed.  The Oregon Department of Agriculture says new users must complete an identity verification process that can take up to 10 business days. 

The agency said acting early is critical as drought, wildfires, extreme heat, and smoke continue to impact crops and livestock across the region.  In Oregon, Governor Tina Kotek has declared drought emergencies in 12 counties, with several more awaiting approval. 

Login.gov provides secure access to FSA services and programs, including:

• The Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) provides compensation to eligible livestock producers who suffered grazing losses for covered livestock due to drought on privately owned or cash leased land.
• FSA maintains a list of counties eligible for LFP and makes updates each Thursday.
• The Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) provides eligible producers with compensation for above normal costs of hauling water and feed to livestock as well as transporting livestock to forage or other grazing acres.
• The Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) provides financial assistance to producers of non-insurable crops when low yields, loss of inventory, or prevented planting occur due to natural disasters including qualifying drought (includes native grass for grazing). Producers must have obtained NAP coverage for the crop year in which the loss occurs.
• The Tree Assistance Program (TAP) provides assistance to eligible orchardists and nursery tree growers for qualifying tree, shrub and vine losses due to natural disasters including excessive wind and qualifying drought.
• The Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) and Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP)  provides landowners and forest stewards with financial assistance to restore damaged farmland and conservation structures or forests, including implementing emergency water conservation measures and replacing damaged irrigation systems.
• Emergency and non-emergency haying and grazing of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres may be authorized to provide relief to livestock producers in areas affected by a severe drought.
• USDA Farm Loans provide a variety of direct and guaranteed farm loans, including operating and direct emergency farm loans, to producers unable to secure commercial financing. Loans can help producers replace essential property, purchase inputs like livestock, equipment, feed and seed, cover family living expenses, or refinance farm-related debts and other needs.
• Additionally, FSA has a variety of loan servicing options available for borrowers who are unable to make scheduled payments on their farm loan debt to FSA because of reasons beyond their control. 

Photo: Glenn Vaagen

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