USDA to provide $340.6M in relief for farmers affected by natural disasters
The USDA has announced $340.6 million in disaster assistance for farmers, ranchers and rural communities affected by natural disasters through the agency’s Disaster Assistance Fund.
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins made the announcement April 22 in North Dakota, where the agency is delivering more than $5 million to help rebuild electric infrastructure following damage from severe storms and wildfires, according to a news release.
“My heart goes out to the families across our great country who have lost loved ones, homes, businesses and livelihoods,” Secretary Rollins said. “As one of his first executive actions, President Trump made it a top priority for his administration to deliver fast and fair relief to communities impacted by disasters.”
USDA will also deliver $25 million in relief to North Carolina communities and $18 million to Tennessee communities impacted by hurricanes since 2022, according to the release.
The funding includes:
- $5.8 million to support economic development for enterprises and farm producers.
- $15.6 million to help rural communities rebuild key infrastructure.
- $20 million for safe drinking water, sanitary waste disposal and electric infrastructure restoration.
- $2 million for technical assistance to towns seeking aid.
Administrative changes to the Disaster Assistance Fund include waiving eligibility criteria such as income requirements and population limits, according to USDA.
