If there is damage to any part of your property or business, including but not limited to barns, milking parlors, crops, fields, equipment, etc., this information should be reported to your county USDA Farm Service Agency or your county Natural Resources Conservation Services office.
You can also contact organizations to which you belong such as the Vermont Farm Bureau at 802-434-5646 or NOFA Vermont 802-434-4122. These organizations should send a summary of the information to the Agency of Agriculture which will then forward to VEM.
Farmers experiencing loss of crops due to flooding should contact their crop insurance agent immediately as well as USDA Farm Service Agency. Farmers are encouraged to keep in touch with USDA Farm Service Agency at 802-658-2803 and Natural Resources Conservation Service at 802-951-6796.
The Agency of Agriculture has warned farmers not to sell crops that were inundated by floodwaters from Irene. Affected farmers are eligible for federal farm program assistance, farmers should contact their county Farm Services Agency (FSA) office or the State FSA office at 802-658-2803. In addition, the Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA) has allocated up to $10 million in low-interest loans that will be made available to businesses and farms hurt by Tropical Storm Irene, contact VEDA at 802-828-5627.
Handling Flooded Produce FAQ - UVM Extension has produced a frequently asked questions document that addresses the FDA's position on a number of questions farmers may have about flooded produce.
Farm Viability Disaster Recovery Planning Assistance - UVM Extension and the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board are partnering to deliver Farm Viability Disaster Recovery Planning Assistance. VHCB is allocating resources to ensure farmers recovering from 'Irene' have access to in-depth disaster recovery planning assistance as appropriate to their individual situation. For more information, use the link below:
Managing Flood Damaged Crops and Forage from Tropical Storm Irene - UVM Extension has produced a five-page best management guide for harvesting, storing, and feeding flooded field and forage crops including corn, hay crops and pasture.
Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) - The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) ECP provides a variety of assistance from repairing conservation practices and infrastructure and purchasing floodplain easements. All projects must be sponsored by a state agency or legal subdivision of state government such as cities, counties and conservation districts.
Free Soil Testing for Farmers - The Agricultural and Environmental Testing Lab at the University of Vermont Department of Plant and Soil Science is assisting commercial farmers in Vermont with assessment of post-flood soil conditions in their fields.
Upon request, they will expedite the turn-around time on tests for both routine soil fertility and heavy metals, with results available in a matter of days. They offer heavy metals screening as an add-on to the routine fertility test as well as a heavy metals test similar to what an environmental lab would run. Choose the latter if your only concern is possible metal contamination. The heavy metal screening that accompanies the fertility test will inform you as whether or not a metals problem exists (the environmental test will give more precise concentrations).
Both tests are now being offered until October 15, 2011 at no charge to commercial Vermont farms for flooded fields only; please note on the soil questionnaire submitted with the sample that the soil is from a flooded field. See the link below for more information.
UVM Extension Recovery Information and Resources
Financial Fact Sheet for Farmers
Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Program
SBA Disaster Loan Fact Sheet
Agency of Commerce and Community Development business resources
VEDA Loan Program Information
Hurricane Irene Flood Loan Assistance Program
Irene Federal Assistance to Vermont Businesses
Hiring Contractors - Events such as Tropical Storm Irene can bring out individuals who take advantage of others during a time of crisis. Communities and residents are advised to be cautious when hiring contractors. The following News Brief offers suggestions on how communities and residents can protect themselves from fraudulent contractors.
Associated General Contractors of Vermont (AGC/VT) - members are commercial contractors that can assist in meeting the municipal and businesses needs quickly and responsibly. The AGC/VT contact is Cathy Voyer: 802-223-2374, cathy@agcvt.org.