USDA Disaster Resources for Rural Communities

The United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides a host of resources for those affected by recent natural disasters.  

The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) is the first point of contact for farmers and ranchers who might be affected by a disaster. A fact sheet is available, providing essential information on various FSA programs available. The USDA’s Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool can assist producers in identifying the type of aid needed. Read about California’s FSA Executive Director here. 

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offers disaster assistance to farmers, ranchers, and communities through programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Technical Assistance, and the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program. More information about NRCS is available here, and contacts for the California State office are available here. 

While FEMA should be the primary contact for rural communities affected by a disaster, USDA Rural Development provides support to homeowners, businesses, and communities to aid in recovery and rebuilding. Rural Development can be instrumental in providing a long-term response to disasters, including repairs to homes, essential community facilities, and rural water systems. A Disaster Resiliency and Recovery Resources Guide for Rural Communities is available here. View the California Contacts page here.