- While official estimates of agricultural losses are still pending, Hurricanes Helene and Milton have caused significant devastation to key food-producing regions, impacting many members of our community.
- IFPA has compiled a comprehensive list of federal and private disaster assistance resources to support affected growers and businesses.
- In response to the crisis, IFPA has contributed to World Central Kitchen, which is providing meals to victims and first responders in impacted areas.
- Many federal relief programs are authorized through the farm bill, a key focus of IFPA's advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C.
Members of the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) across the southeastern U.S. are grappling with the devastation left by Hurricanes Milton and Helene—two of the most destructive storms in U.S. history. While it is still too soon to assess the full extent of agricultural losses, critical regions for the nation's food supply are severely impacted.
According to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the affected counties produce roughly $2 billion worth of fruit and tree nuts each year, as well as over $1 billion in vegetables. The path to recovery will be long and arduous, as the tragic loss of lives, homes, and livelihoods continues to weigh heavily on these communities.
As the recovery effort begins, growers and food businesses have access to a range of federal and private resources. Key federal programs such as crop insurance, the Tree Assistance Program, and disaster relief measures under the farm bill will be essential in helping agricultural communities rebuild. A list of available resources is provided below.
This crisis underscores the urgent need for a modernized farm bill that includes strong crop insurance and disaster relief provisions. IFPA remains committed to working with lawmakers to prioritize an updated farm bill this year.
In response to the devastation, IFPA is reaching out to members in the affected areas to offer support during this difficult recovery process. In a show of solidarity, the association has also donated to World Central Kitchen, which is on the ground providing nourishing meals to communities and first responders.
Resources
USDA
- Hurricane Preparation and Recovery Resources | Farmers.gov
- USDA Service Center Locator
- Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) (usda.gov)
- Tree Assistance Program (TAP) (usda.gov)
- 2017 Wildfires and Hurricanes Indemnity Program (WHIP) (usda.gov)
- Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool | Farmers.gov