Hurricane Disaster Programs

May 12, 2006 -- The Farm Service Agency (FSA), on Wednesday, issued an interim final rule in response to emergency agricultural situations caused by the 2005 Hurricanes Dennis, Katrina, Ophelia, Rita and Wilma in certain counties in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina and Texas. These hurricanes severely limited the purchasing power of farmers engaged in the production of agricultural commodities.

This rule provides for the establishment of four hurricane disaster programs and one grant program using an estimated $250 million in funds to be administered by FSA in order to provide funds to eligible producers who suffered eligible losses, thus re-establishing these producers? purchasing power. The programs include: Hurricane Indemnity; Feed Indemnity; Livestock Indemnity; Tree Indemnity; and aquaculture grants.

Written comments must be received on or before June 9, 2006, to be considered. Complete details can be access in the Federal Register at:
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/06-4278.htm.