U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced that the USDA is prepared to assist communities and agricultural producers affected by recent severe storms in the South and Midwest. The storms have caused tornadoes, dust storms, and wildfires, resulting in widespread damage, power outages, and loss of life.
"My heart goes out to the families that have lost loved ones, homes, businesses and livelihoods," said Secretary Rollins. "President Trump has ordered his administration to assist the state and local efforts in any way we can, and USDA stands ready to deliver that help to those who need it. USDA will be there for the people and communities we serve as they recover and rebuild from this devastation."
The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is advising residents on food safety measures during power outages. Refrigerators can keep food safe for up to four hours without power, while full freezers can maintain safe temperatures for approximately 48 hours. FSIS provides guidelines on handling food after flooding incidents.
For agricultural operations, the USDA offers risk management tools through programs like the Federal Crop Insurance Program and Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP). Producers are encouraged to report crop damage promptly.
Programs such as the Livestock Indemnity Program offer financial support for livestock losses due to natural disasters. The Tree Assistance Program helps with rehabilitating damaged orchards or vineyards.
USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service offers financial aid through its Emergency Watershed Protection Program. Farmers.gov provides resources like the Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool for further assistance.
The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is coordinating with FEMA to provide emergency nutrition assistance when needed. Additionally, USDA Rural Development (RD) supports rural communities in recovery efforts by offering services for rebuilding homes, businesses, and infrastructure.
