U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency in Georgia Reminds Producers to Prepare for the 2024 Hurricane Season

355 E Hancock Avenue
STOP 100
Athens, GA 30601

Contact: Jay Ivey
Jay.Ivey@usda.gov
706-510-5318 

ATHENS, GA., July 17, 2024 – With the 2024 hurricane season officially underway, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Georgia State Executive Director, Arthur Tripp, Jr., reminds agricultural producers to prepare for potential disasters. Meteorologists are predicting this year’s hurricane season to be extremely active, so it is crucial that producers are educated, prepared, and aware of potential disasters. FSA encourages producers to review preparation tips and recovery resources offered by the agency if such an event does occur. 

“In the event of a natural disaster such as a hurricane, the health and safety of our state’s producers and their families are our number one priority,” said Tripp. “Much of our state is extremely susceptible to hurricane damage and inclement weather during this time of year, so it is imperative that producers are prepared and informed. Georgia’s Farm Service Agency offers numerous disaster relief and recovery programs, and we encourage producers to familiarize themselves with these resources.” 

Preparing your Operation and Household for Hurricane Season: 

1. Build an Emergency Plan – Familiarize your household and employees with evacuation routes, establish meeting points, create an emergency contact list, and designate safe places.
2. Prepare your Land – Most injuries and damage from hurricanes are done by flying objects. Be sure to remove any debris that could be picked up by hurricane winds. Secure any outdoor equipment or animals that could potentially be damaged. Ensure that drainage systems are clear and prepared for potential floodwaters.
3. Protect Important Documents – Personal documents, farm records, and financial information are extremely important for insurance claims and emergency relief programs. Secure physical documents in a safe place and upload them to a cloud-based server. Remember to take inventory of your operation, including vehicles, equipment, livestock, buildings, feed, and anything else that could potentially be damaged by inclement weather.
4. Stay Updated on Insurance – Contact your insurance agent(s) to discuss your current plans and find the best coverage for your household and operation. Make sure that all important property is adequately insured.
5. Obtain Supplies – Gather drinking water, canned goods, batteries, fuel, generators, flashlights, emergency phones, and anything else that you might need in case of a disaster. Be sure to have cash on hand in case of widespread grid outages.
6. Stay Informed – Download the Federal Emergency Management Agency app one your smartphone for weather preparation and recovery information. Subscribe to USDA Emails for Farmers | Farmers.gov to receive live text or email recovery alerts from the Farm Service Agency. 

Hurricane Relief and Recovery Programs:

In the event of a hurricane or other natural disaster, FSA offers numerous resources to help farmers and ranchers recover. 

FSA has a variety of loans available, including emergency loans that are triggered by disaster declarations and operating loans that can assist producers with credit needs. Additionally, producers should consider FSA’s loan servicing options if they are unable to make scheduled farm loan debt payments to FSA for reasons beyond their control.    

Livestock and perennial crop producers often have more risk management options available, including the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP), the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP), and the Tree Assistance Program (TAP). Producers of crops for which crop insurance is not available should consider FSA’s Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP).   

On farmers.gov, the Hurricane Webpage, Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool, Disaster-at-a-Glance fact sheet, and Farm Loan Discovery Tool help producers and landowners determine which disaster assistance program or loan option best meets their business needs. 

 USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.