Farmers Should Report Loss to USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA): Vermont farmers of all types, sizes and management methods, both organic and conventional—dairy, vegetable, livestock, orchard, crop, maple, diversified—who sustained damage from tropical storm Irene are urged to contact their county USDA office whether or not they have participated in USDA programs in the past and whether or not they carry crop insurance. FSA also has a number of financial programs to assist farmers in times of disaster.

USDA county offices are located in the following communities:

Brattleboro: 802-295-7942	Newport: 802-334-6090	St. Johnsbury: 802-748-2641
Middlebury: 802-388-6748	Rutland: 802-775-8969	Williston: 802-865-7895
Morrisville: 802-888-4935	St. Albans: 802-527-1296	White River Jct.: 802-295-7942

Farmers Can Apply for Funds through the Vermont Farm Disaster Relief Fund: Vermont Community Foundation and the Vermont Agency of Agriculture have worked together to set up the Vermont Farm Disaster Relief Grants The VT Farm Disaster Relief Fund provides grants to farmers for flood related issues. The grants can be up to $10,000 and the turnaround time is quick. Download a copy of the application here. For more details, contact the Vermont Farm Disaster Relief Fund at (802) 388-3398.

Northeast Organic Farming Association of VT Farmer Emergency Fund: This fund is currently providing grants and zero interest loans to certified organic farmers impacted by Irene. For more information on how to apply contact Nofa-VT at 802-434-4122

Vermont Farm Fund Emergency Loan Program: Established by Pete’s Green and The Center for an Agricultural Economy this zero interest revolving loan program for farmers in need. For more information visit http://hardwickagriculture.org/programs.html

Low Interest Loans for Farmers: VEDA has allocated up to $10 million in low-interest loans that will be made available to businesses and farms hurt by Hurricane Irene. http://www.veda.org/

Farm First offers no cost assistance to help farmers and their families find solutions to immediate personal and family issues and concerns. Call 877-493-6216

Flooded Crops Information: The FDA considers crops where the edible portion has come in contact with flood waters to be adulterated and not to be sold for human consumption. http://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/USDAOC-124d37

Unemployment Information: Do you have farm workers that have been laid off as a result of Irene? UVM Extension has put this helpful information sheet together to address this. Download a copy of the flyer here.

UVM Extension has compiled a list of resources that you may find helpful. http://www.uvm.edu/extension/

Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont has information for both producers and farmers. http://nofavt.org/flood

Connect to Resources: #VTResponse was set up by Sarah Waterman and the Reality Venture Capital team has to bridge the communication gap between volunteers and those in need, to help Vermonters help Vermonters. http://vtresponse.wordpress.com/