USDA steps up for wildfire recovery in Texas and Oklahoma
USAgNet - 03/08/2024
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has initiated several programs to assist farmers, ranchers, and communities devastated by recent wildfires in Texas and Oklahoma.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack emphasized the USDA's commitment to helping those impacted by the fires, highlighting the deployment of over 200 USDA Forest Service personnel for suppression efforts and the organization of informational sessions for affected agricultural producers.
The USDA is offering low-interest emergency loans, the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP), the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP), among other supports, to help producers recover from losses. Additionally, the USDA has authorized policy flexibility to expedite the delivery of this aid.
Efforts to help relocate livestock include emergency haying and grazing of Conservation Reserve Program acres. The USDA is also offering $6 million in Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) funding in Texas for wildfire recovery practices and has programs in place to help rehabilitate damaged farmland and restore forestland.
USDA Rural Development is ready to support rural communities with programs designed to repair homes, businesses, and infrastructure. This multi-faceted approach underscores the USDA's commitment to supporting American agriculture and rural communities through challenging times.
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