Some much needed support after Irma ripped through the eastern United States is on its way for farmers in Iowa and farmworkers in Florida.
Iowa
Iowa farmers may be eligible for low-interest government loans to cover “severe” physical losses from summer storms.
These USDA emergency loans are not for damage or destruction of corn and soybeans in the field, but can cover “physical losses” to farm buildings, equipment and the death of livestock, The loans may cover damage to “perennial” crops like fruit trees as well as any crop that had been harvested and stored.
The losses must be connected to the four storm systems that hit Iowa between June 22nd and August 18th. Those storms spawned flooding, hail and tornadoes.
More information on loan eligibility and the application process can be found at http://disaster.fsa.usda.gov.
Florida
South Florida’s farmworker families are also suffering in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. The storm has disrupted early-season field work and left many without jobs, homeless, and running out of money needed to support their families.
The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA) is raising funds to help the Redlands Christian Migrant Association (RCMA) to provide immediate basic living essentials and temporary housing needs to farmworker families. The goal is to raise $100,000 for RCMA.
FFVA expressed optimism that a partner would soon join the effort to provide matching funds. To learn more and make a donation, visit the Florida Specialty Crop Foundation’s support page.
Sources: growingproduce.com, radioiowa.com
