WASHINGTON, September 29, 2022 – Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack has ordered the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to assist in the recovery efforts of farmers, ranchers and residents affected by Hurricane Fiona. USDA staff in offices across the country are ready to respond with a variety of program flexibilities and other types of assistance to producers and communities in need.
Hurricane Fiona caused widespread impacts along its path, particularly in Puerto Rico, which suffered its worst flooding since Hurricane Maria in 2017, and power outages across the island, which continue in many areas.
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this terrible storm, especially in Puerto Rico, which has come so far in recovering from Hurricane Maria,” said Secretary Vilsack. “I want everyone to know that USDA stands ready to offer whatever resources we have available to help those in need.”
Safety Measures for Food Protection:
USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is helping affected residents make measures to reduce their risk of foodborne illness as they return home from severe weather and flooding.
- During a power outage, the refrigerator will keep food at a safe temperature (below 40°F) for up to 4 hours. A full freezer will maintain a safe temperature for about 48 hours (24 hours if half full). Discard perishable foods from the refrigerator and freezer after these times have elapsed.
- Drink only bottled water that has not been in contact with the flood water. The screw caps on the bottles are not waterproof, so any bottled water that may have come in contact with flood water should be disposed of. If you don’t have bottled water, learn how to safely boil or sanitize water at Guide for Consumers on Safe Food Handling: Severe storms and hurricanes.
- Dispose of any food or drink that is not in a waterproof container if there is any chance that it has come into contact with flood water. Containers with screw-on lids, snap-on lids, flip-top lids, and press-on lids are not waterproof.
- Food commercially prepared undamaged all-metal cans and thermoformed bags, such as flexible juice pouches or seafood cans, can be stored following the steps in Consumers Guide to Proper Food Handling: Severe Storms and Hurricanes.
- Thoroughly wash all metal pots, utensils, and ceramic dishes that have come into contact with flood water with hot soapy water. Rinse and then sanitize by boiling in clean water or immersing for 15 minutes in a solution of one tablespoon of unscented chlorine bleach per gallon of drinking water.
- Dispose of wooden cutting boards, plastic utensils, baby bottle nipples and pacifiers that may have come into contact with flood water – they cannot be reused after contact with flood water.
- If you have questions about food safety measures, call the hotline USDA Meat and Poultry Information Center at 1-888-674-6854, Monday through Friday, 10 am to 6 pm ET, or email MPHotline@usda.gov or chat live at Ask USDA.
Aid to agricultural operations in case of disaster:
USDA offers a full suite of disaster assistance programs to help growers recover after disasters.
- The Compensation Program for Livestock and Livestock and the Emergency Assistance Program for Livestock, Bees and Farm-Raised Fish reimburses producers a portion of the value of livestock, poultry, and other animals that died or were seriously injured as a result of a natural disaster or the loss of acres used for feeding and grazing.
- The Disaster Assistance Program for Non-Insured Crops (NAP) is available through your local Farm Service Agency. This risk protection includes crop production loss and tree loss for certain eligible crops. Loss-producing growers enrolled in the NAP are asked to report crop damage to their local FSA office, respectively, within 72 hours of discovering the damage and follow up in writing. within 15 days.
- On Tree Assistance Program provides cost-share assistance to rehabilitate or replant orchards and vineyards when trees, vines, or shrubs are killed or damaged by storms. The NAP or Federal Crop Insurance often only covers the crop and not the plant.
- The Emergency Conservation Program and Emergency Forest Restoration Program can assist landowners and forest managers with financial and technical assistance to restore land farms or damaged forests.
Ranchers and perennial crop growers often have few risk management options, but there are several disaster programs for them. Among the main programs offered by the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) are:
It is also essential that producers keep records to document damage or loss and to report losses to their local USDA Service Center as soon as possible.
In addition, the Natural Resources Conservation Service USDA (NRCS) may provide financial resources through its Environmental Quality Incentives Program to help with immediate needs and long-term support to help recover from natural disasters and conserve water resources. USDA can also help local government partners defray the cost of recovery activities, such as debris removal and shoreline stabilization, to address natural resource-related problems and hazards through the Emergency Program for the Protection of Hydrographic Basins .
On farmers.gov, the Tool Search for Disaster Assistance , the Fact Sheet USDA Disaster Assistance Programs at a Glance (PDF, 1.4 MB) and the Farm Loan Search Tool can help growers and homeowners determine program or loan options available. For crop insurance claim assistance, growers and homeowners should contact their crop insurance agent. For the FSA and NRCS programs, you should contact your USDA Service Center.
The USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is already providing assistance to affected communities in Puerto Rico through the distribution of USDA Foods providing high-quality, nutritious food 100% grown and produced on farms in the United States. FNS is prepared to work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), municipalities and local authorities, to provide more emergency nutritional assistance to people in need.
The USDA touches the lives of all Americans every day in many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with an increased focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, and ensuring access to safe, wholesome food. and nutritious foods in all communities, building new markets and income streams for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in clean energy infrastructure and capabilities in rural America , and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and creating a more representative America’s workforce. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.
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