Agency of Agriculture Emergency Flood Resources

Submitted by tim on Thu, 07/13/2023 - 13:20

VAAFM image of Richmond at Route 2 and I-89 along the Winooski River.

The Agency of Agriculture has compiled response & recovery information and resources in recognition of the ongoing State of Emergency. We recognize many of you are still in the midst of dangerous conditions. The devastation that has impacted our state's agricultural communities has been severe and destructive. We are thinking dearly of people who have lost some or all, and hope that we can begin working on recovery soon. Please focus on health and safety first, and only begin recovery and documentation efforts once it is safe to do so.

You can access all the response and recovery information at our 2023 Flooding Disaster Response and Recovery Resources webpage. You can also email [email protected] or call 802-828-5667 if you have specific questions or concerns. A breakout of the resources is available here in the newsletter. Any updated/new resources or information will be shared via the webpage and in the newsletter Sunday night, 7/16.

Reporting Losses

In preparation for our disaster recovery process, farmers should assess damages field by field and crop by crop. If you have questions you can reach out to your local Farm Service Agency (FSA) County Office.

The Agency of Agriculture and the Agency of Transportation have access to a drone to help you document evidence of crop loss & damage. Please contact [email protected] to access this resource.

Producers with private crop insurance should call their crop insurance agent to report losses.
Producers with FSA NAP coverage should reach out to their local FSA Office to report losses.
Limited Resource, Beginning Farmer, SDA Farmer, Veteran Farmer individuals may have been automatically enrolled in FSA NAP coverage. Please reach out to your local FSA Office to confirm.
Emergency Livestock Assistance Program (ELAP) – This program may assist with both feed and livestock losses (including bees). Producers can reach out to their local FSA Office for more information.
Farms without crop insurance can still report losses at their local FSA Office

Please continue reading for more resources or visit our webpage by clicking the text below. The Agency and its employees hope you are safe and hold the entire Ag community in our thoughts.

Access the Latest Flood Related Resources

Milk Disposal & Dumping

Do you need to dump milk due to road closures? A manure pit is the best location. Ensure pit capacity, maintain freeboard requirements, and keep records.

If you have no manure pit, contact Nate Sands, [email protected] or 802-224-6850 for assistance.

If you are a co-op or waste hauler needing to dump milk, contact Jessica Mason with the Non-Sewage Waste Management Program, [email protected] or 802-224-6850.

Info for Vermont Produce Growers

If you have experienced flooding or damage in your produce fields, visit the Vermont Produce Program website for up-to-date Agency guidance.

You can contact the Vermont Produce Program Team at [email protected] or 802-622-4412.

Free Resources and Support for Farmers

During and after the emergency, farm owners can access Farm First, a free and confidential business and personal service providing technical, legal, financial, and mental health services to those in need. Farm First also covers farm family members.

Access services by visiting Farm First or calling 1-877-493-6216.

Guidance for Meat & Poultry Handlers

Are you a licensed meat & poultry handler, including commercial/custom slaughter and processing, retailer, wholesale distributor, or warehouse?

The Agency has new guidance on re-opening your facility after flooding. If you are a commercial processing facility working under a grant of inspection, please also see 9 CFR § 318.14 Adulteration of product by polluted water; procedure for handling.

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