CT farmers urged to report weather losses
Senators Chris Murphy and Richard Blumenthal, along with U.S. Representatives from Connecticut, are calling on farmers who faced losses from extreme weather events in 2023 and 2024 to report their damages to the Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg). This initiative is part of the push to ensure farmers can access the $220 million Farm Recovery and Support Block Grant, which is aimed at helping small and medium-sized farmers recover from agricultural losses caused by extreme weather.
"We strongly encourage farmers in Connecticut to participate in the CT DoAg survey on weather-related losses from 2023 and 2024,” the delegation said. “This is a critical opportunity to ensure your needs are accounted for as the state prepares to distribute disaster funding for farmers. The Farm Recovery and Support Block Grant provided $220 million in disaster relief funding for farmers impacted by extreme weather events in 2023 and 2024 and is intended to help affected farmers recoup their losses from these unexpected disasters. Farmers sharing the challenges they faced—whether it’s production losses, infrastructure damage, or increased costs due to invasive species—can help CT DoAg understand the scope of the need to address it as best as they can as soon as funding is ready. Please fill out the survey if you experienced these losses – help will soon be available.”
The Farm Recovery and Support Block Grant provides crucial relief without requiring farmers to have crop insurance or a national disaster declaration. This makes it a vital resource for farmers affected by localized weather events that might not qualify for other forms of assistance.
By completing a survey provided by the CT DoAg, farmers can report various losses, including crop damage, infrastructure destruction, and rising costs linked to invasive species exacerbated by weather conditions. The survey is essential for CT DoAg to accurately assess the extent of the damage and ensure that funding is distributed quickly once it becomes available.
The survey will remain open until January 19, 2025, and farmers who have experienced losses in 2023 or 2024 are encouraged to participate. This is an important opportunity to receive support during these difficult times, ensuring that Connecticut's agricultural community can recover and continue to thrive.
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