The Federal Emergency Management Agency designated eight parishes in Louisiana as natural disaster areas following a severe winter storm that occurred from January 23 through January 27, according to a Mar. 12 announcement. This action triggers Presidential Declaration M4900 Amendment 1 and allows the United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency to offer emergency loans to affected producers.
This designation is significant because it enables farmers and ranchers in Bienville, De Soto, East Carroll, Franklin, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland, and West Carroll parishes to access federal assistance for recovery. The emergency loans can be used for replacing essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganizing farming operations, or refinancing certain debts. The application deadline for these loans is November 4.
Producers in contiguous counties across Arkansas (Ashley, Chicot, Union), Mississippi (Issaquena and Warren), Texas (Panola and Shelby), and additional Louisiana parishes are also eligible for assistance. Farmers seeking help can use resources like the Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool on farmers.gov or contact their local USDA Service Center for more information about available programs.
The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry supports sectors that contribute about $11.7 billion annually to the state’s economy through agriculture and forestry endeavors, according to the official website. The agency obtains funding through grants such as the Specialty Crop Program to enhance crop competitiveness according to the official website. It also preserves agricultural traditions and bolsters local economies by supporting farmers according to the official website.
Additionally, the department manages conservation efforts like those at Alexander State Forest in central Louisiana according to the official website, while serving as a state agency within Louisiana’s executive branch according to the official website. Its mission includes exceeding standards in agriculture and forestry while promoting food safety, animal health, and natural resource management according to the official website.
FEMA offers different assistance programs for individuals as well as public groups including government agencies and private nonprofit organizations. To find FEMA help after a disaster event, residents are encouraged to visit fema.gov/assistance.
