USDA offers financial relief to dairy farms affected by Avian Flu
By Farms.com
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announces the opening of applications for its updated Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP) on July 1.
This program expansion is specifically designed to support dairy producers who have experienced losses in milk production due to the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1).
In response to the spread of H5N1, which has been detected in several states, the USDA has modified ELAP to include compensation for milk production disruptions caused by the removal of cattle from commercial milking.
A confirmed positive H5N1 test is required to qualify for recovery assistance, emphasizing the program's role in addressing verifiable losses directly linked to the disease.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has stated the USDA’s dedication to revising program policies to provide necessary financial support where possible.
The aim is to help affected producers recover swiftly and maintain their operations despite the economic challenges posed by H5N1.
To be eligible, dairy farmers must provide proof of a confirmed H5N1 test and specify the extent of their production losses. The USDA, through local service centers, offers guidance on the application process and the documentation needed to support claims.
This initiative underscores the USDA’s commitment to bolstering the agricultural community, ensuring that dairy producers can navigate the challenges of H5N1 with robust support and continue to contribute to the food supply chain effectively.