ECP provides emergency funding and technical assistance to farmers and ranchers to rehabilitate farmland/ conservation structures damaged by natural disasters and to implement emergency water conservation measures during periods of severe drought.
What is an Eligible Loss?
FSA County Committees will determine land eligibility based on on-site inspections (unless waived due to the impact of the disaster) after land-damaging events. Events may include extreme weather or natural occurrences like floods, tornadoes, droughts, wildfires, hurricanes/typhoons.
Eligible land may include:
- Commercial farming, ranching, and orchard operations.
- Growing nursery stock and Christmas tree plantations.
- Grazing for commercial livestock production.
- Conservation structures such as waterways, terraces, diversions, and windbreaks.
ECP is administered by FSA state and county committees and county offices. Producers should contact their local FSA office regarding ECP enrollment periods and eligibility.
Funding
- Limited resource, socially disadvantaged, or beginning farmers can receive up to 90% of the allowable cost to implement approved restorative practices. Farmers who don’t fit any of these criteria receive up to 75% of the allowable cost to implement approved restorative practices.
- Farmers may receive an advance payment of up to 25% of the expected cost-share amount for the replacement or restoration of fencing.
- ECP is Limited to $500,000 per individual or legal entity per disaster.
Process
The County Office Committee (COC) must make an overall initial assessment of the damage after a disaster occurs to ensure that the resulting damage meets the minimum ECP requirements. If requirements are met, the County Executive Director (CED) or COC will consult with the State Committee (STC) or State Executive Director (SED) to request ECP implementation approval and availability of funds from the National Office.
Your local FSA Office will inform you about ECP implementation through press releases, radio spots, newsletters, and flyers.
What To Do Before A Loss
- Know your FSA Agent.
- Make sure the local FSA office has your farm map on file.
What To Do After A Loss
- Document loss — Farmers should document damage immediately as much as possible after a storm (via photos, video)
- Report your damage to your local FSA office — This helps the local office and county committee understand the extent of damage and also helps to determine whether ECP is needed. Get clarification from your local FSA office whether you should wait or proceed with rehabilitation work.
- Keep an eye out for the ECP announcement — Your local FSA office will provide guidance on the approval process and next steps.
Interested in more information about ECP? Review FSA’s Handbook on ECP.
Contact Information
Visit the USDA to find your nearest FSA office. If you have trouble locating, getting in touch with, or receiving adequate service from your agent, please let us know.
To learn more about the programs or to inquire about technical assistance available for applying for a particular FSA disaster assistance program,contact Tee Turner ([email protected]).