Issues - Disaster Programs
Disasters
are an inevitable part of farming. Federal risk management and relief
programs provide crucial protection for family farms. However, farming
is experiencing structural changes in ownership, products and markets,
and federal disaster programs are falling behind.
RAFI-USA provides assistance to individual farmers seeking
access to disaster and risk management programs, provides training for
farmers and farm advisors on the range of disaster programs available
for farmers, and provides policy analysis of disaster programs based on
our experience with individual farmers and our knowledge of federal agricultural
policy.
Current disaster and risk management programs provide little or no coverage for a growing number of farms. In addition to facingdisaster losses unassisted , farmers with inadequate disaster protection have trouble accessing credit and face an economic disadvantage.
Gaps in risk management have broad implications. RAFI has long advocated for the ability of farmers to transition to emerging markets for environmentally-beneficial products. These products bring a greater percentage of the food dollar back to the farm and provide environmental and health benefits to our communities. The widening gaps in federal protection create an economic disincentive for farmers making this transition, and increase the risk of losing the farm for those who do.
RAFI advocates for disaster and risk management policies that support family farmers in increasing the sustainability of their farms. Better risk management can save farms and help our changing rural economies thrive.
BREAKING NEWS
Cost-Share Program to Help N.C. Farmers Recovering from Drought
April 22, 2008
RALEIGH - North Carolina farmers reeling from drought can obtain help
under a program unveiled Tuesday in Raleigh. The program will cover 75
percent of the cost of restoring drought-damaged pastureland and providing
additional
water supply for livestock and crops.
The N.C. Agricultural Drought Recovery Program will be administered statewide through local Soil and Water Conservation district offices beginning May 1. It was made possible by a $6 million grant from the N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture last year designated 85 of North Carolina's 100 counties as natural disaster areas. As of April 8, 80 counties remained under drought conditions with the other 20 considered abnormally dry.
Farmers affected by the drought may apply to one of the state's 96 Soil
and Water Conservation district offices for help with several types of
projects. These include pasture renovation, drilling and redrilling wells,
pond construction and renovation, converting closed lagoons to fresh water
ponds,
and upgrading existing irrigation systems to more efficient models. The
program is open to farmers with a total adjusted gross income of less
than $250,000 or those who derive 75 percent of their income from farming
operations.
Read the complete press release here.
FARM ADVOCACY PROGRAM
RAFI provides expert knowledge in complex lending situations and two decades of experience fighting to keep family farmers on the land. We do not provide direct financial relief.
If you are a farmer in need of assistance, please call RAFI at (919) 542-1396 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday –- Friday. If you need immediate assistance, please call Farm Aid at (800) FARM-AID.
DISASTER POLICY ANALYSIS
Disaster Programs and the Changing Face of Agriculture in North Carolina - This report explores the growing gap between the needs of North Carolina farmers and the protection provided by federal disaster programs. Read the executive summary (PDF) or the full report (PDF) online.
Disaster Programs Discourage Organic and Natural Food Production - Current disaster relief and crop insurance programs put organic and natural farmers at a serious diadvantage. Read this white paper (PDF) to learn why, and what can be changed.
Disaster Assistance for Reestablishment of Pasture - Scott Marlow, RAFI and Karen Krub, FLAG, Mar. 2008 - This white paper (PDF) discusses federal disaster assistance to help farmers reestablish pastures that were severely damaged by the 2007 drought.
QUESTIONS?
Contact Scott Marlow, RAFI Farm Sustainability Program Director, by phone at (919) 542-1396 x210 or by e-mail.
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