We’d like to add a few more resources to the list we emailed yesterday for dealing with hurricane damage and loss:

FSA Hurricane Matthew damage form: We noted that you should report the damage to either your County Extension Center or County FSA Office, but didn’t include the form in yesterday’s email. You can download the FSA form here (https://carolinafarmstewards.z2systems.com/np/viewDocument?orgId=carolinafarmstewards&id=4028e48c57f58e3b015806a17204004d).

RAFI (Rural Advancement Foundation International): RAFI has published a comprehensive guide to seeking assistance in the aftermath of the hurricane, http://rafiusa.org/blog/help-after-hurricane-matthew-disaster-relief-for-farmers-livestock-producers/.

North Carolina Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program: Today, a group of small business support organizations activated the North Carolina Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program in response to Hurricane Matthew. The program will provide short-term, interest-free loans to small businesses that experienced physical or economic damage during the storm and recovery efforts. Owners of small businesses with 1 to 100 employees located in the 52 counties affected by Hurricane Matthew can apply for loans for up to $15,000. Applications may be submitted through December 9, 2016. Loans are granted for terms of 90 or 180 days and are interest-free (0% APR) for that time period. For more information or to find a program office, visit www.sbtdc.org/hurricanematthew/. To apply, visit www.ncruralcenter.org/hurricanematthew. For questions or assistance, call the SBTDC at (919) 715-7272.

CFSA staff are checking in on farmers by phone this week, but please feel free to give us a call at 919.542.2402 if you’d like more information about resources or would like to share any updates.

Sincerely,

Roland McReynolds, Esq.
Executive Director