Legislation recently passed by Congress to keep the federal government running through early December included an extension of WHIP+. Scott Bennett, director of Congressional Relations with the American Farm Bureau, said producers hit by a natural disaster can look forward to some much-needed help.

loading...

“Congress was able to pass, in the Continuing Resolution for government funding through December 3, an extension of the WHIP+ program to include 2020 and 2021 crop years, with funding to the tune of 10 billion dollars. This money will be available for producers that had qualifying natural disasters destroy a portion or all of their crop.”

Bennett said a variety of natural disasters are covered by the program.

“Any producer that suffered damage from a qualifying disaster in 2020 and 2021, such as wildfires, hurricanes, derechos, drought, or more may qualify for a payment to recoup the lost value of those crops. Please contact your local FSA office for more information on your qualification for this relief and how to apply if you do.”

Bennett also said other USDA programs are available to help producers offset costs associated with COVID-19 safety measures.

 “The Pandemic Response and Safety Grant program assists small businesses in certain commodity areas, including specialty crop producers, meat, and other processors and distributors, with the costs of preventing further spread of COVID-19, such as providing PPE, facilitating social distancing, and retrofitting facilities. This grant funding is intended to offset the costs of these COVID mitigation activities. Those interested in applying can find more information at ams.usda.gov/grants.”

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekmedia.com

More From PNW Ag Network