The Federal Emergency Management Agency designated eight counties in Louisiana as natural disaster areas following severe winter storm Fern, according to a Mar. 19 announcement. This declaration allows the United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency to offer emergency loans to producers affected by the storm.
The designation is important because it provides financial relief for farmers and ranchers who suffered losses due to the winter storm. Emergency loans can be used for replacing essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganizing farming operations, or refinancing certain debts. The Farm Service Agency will review loan applications based on the extent of losses, available security, and repayment ability.
Bienville, De Soto, East Carroll, Franklin, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland, and West Carroll are the primary counties eligible for assistance. Contiguous counties are also eligible for support. The deadline to apply for these emergency loans is November 4.
Farmers seeking help can use resources like the Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool and Loan Assistance Tool on farmers.gov to determine their options. Additional information about FEMA’s assistance programs is available at fema.gov/assistance.
The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry obtains funding through grants such as the Specialty Crop Program to enhance crop competitiveness according to the official website. The department preserves agricultural traditions and supports local economies by assisting farmers according to its official website. It manages conservation efforts like those in Alexander State Forest in central Louisiana according to its official website.
As a state agency within Louisiana’s executive branch according to its official website, the department supports sectors that contribute about $11.7 billion annually to Louisiana’s economy through agriculture and forestry endeavors according to its official website. Its mission includes exceeding standards in agriculture and forestry while promoting food safety, animal health, and natural resource management according to its official website.
The department advances agricultural and forestry efforts by protecting food safety and natural resources while managing economic contributions from these sectors. It also provides services such as wildfire control and regulatory oversight. The agency supports farmers through partnerships and sustainable practices across the state according to its official website.
