CFSA staff know that even in the best of times, farming is a challenging way of life. Add a disastrous flood event and it can seem downright impossible. In order to assist you as best we can, we have complied Resources for Farmers Affected by Hurricane Matthew to help you navigate the cleanup process. While we know you cannot wait around for financial assistance to help, please be sure to document the flood damage on your farm, specifically by:

• Taking pictures of the damage. Before and after pictures are great if you have them.
• Documenting staff time and equipment used in the cleanup effort.
• Documenting any additional costs (keep receipts) incurred or anticipated in order to recover from the damage.

It is vital that you report the damage you experienced from Hurricane Matthew so CFSA and other partners can advocate for additional disaster relief funds. Attached is a form the Farm Service Agency (FSA), Cooperative Extension, and the NC Dept. of Agriculture are asking folks to fill out. PLEASE return a completed copy to either your County Extension Center or County FSA Office. The NCDA has also created an online survey for farmers who offer Agritourism Activities.

NC State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, working in partnership with USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) and N.C. Farm Bureau, has developed a series of short videos to assist agents and growers with navigating FSA’s disaster assistance programs.

We already know a few CFSA members or their supporters have set up crowd funding sites to assist with the cleanup effort. PLEASE let us know if you have one, as we are compiling a list to share.

Sincerely,

Roland McReynolds, Esq.
Executive Director