Flood Response Resources for Farmers

Updated August 25, 2023.

In addition to following up directly with folks this week who have let us know that they were impacted by the flood, we would like to broadly share resources that are available for affected farmers, farmworkers, producers, and processors as they recover.

We will update the webpage as more resources and information becomes available.

Our agricultural community here in Vermont is proving yet again to be one of care, interconnection, and resilience. In addition to the resources below, please feel free to contact the NOFA-VT office at [email protected] or 802-434-4122.

 

Federal Resources

 

 

  • If you have experienced any disaster-related losses, contact your county FSA office as soon as possible. Some FSA programs have very short deadlines for reporting, and we encourage producers to at least make contact with their local FSA office within 10 days of the flooding event. Even if you have incomplete information to provide at this point, it's best to at least begin taking steps to ensure FSA is aware you were impacted.
    • If your local FSA office is not responsive, we recommend contacting one of the offices of Vermont's congressional delegation. They are making staff available to assist Vermonters in need of disaster assistance and support with federal programs right now:
      • Senator Welch's Vermont office: 802-863-2525
      • Senator Sanders' Vermont office: 802-862-0697
      • Congresswoman Balint's Vermont office: 802-652-2450 

 

State Government Resources

  • Department of Labor Disaster Unemployment Assistance
    • The Department of Labor has stood up a Disaster Unemployment Assistance program to help people who lost their jobs because of a natural disaster. This program gives temporary money to those who don’t qualify for regular unemployment benefits. Applications are due by September 29, 2023.

 

 

Community Resources

  • NOFA-VT Impact Survey
    • Let us know if you are suffering any adverse impacts from the flooding. We will use this information to provide support and coordinate resources to aid recovery efforts for those farms affected. 

 

  • NOFA-VT’s Farmer Emergency Fund
    • The NOFA-VT Farmer Emergency Fund is available to assist Vermont certified organic and NOFA-VT member commercial farmers (join membership here) who are in financial need after having been adversely affected by natural and unnatural disasters. Farmers may request up to $5,000 in grants that do not need to be repaid. As the community continues to provide aid through this fund, we will disperse money directly to farmers. 

 

  • Vermont Community Foundation Farm Disaster Relief Grant Program
    • A new Vermont Community Foundation (VCF) grant program will provide up to $10,000 directly to farmers affected by the devastating flooding this summer. They have set aside up to $1 million from their VT Flood Response & Recovery Fund 2023 for these grants. Learn more about eligibility and apply on their website

 

  • Emergency Loans from the VT Farm Fund
    • The Center for Agricultural Economy offers emergency loans up to $10,000. This is a zero percent interest loan, payable over 24 months with a flexible payment schedule. Qualifying applicants must be Vermont farmers or food producers who have suffered a devastating loss due to an unexpected natural disaster that puts their farm or farming career in danger.

 

  • Mental Health Resources from Farm First 
    • This unprecedented disaster has had an enormous impact on Vermont's farmers and farmworkers, both personally and for their business. If you are experiencing a high level of stress, we encourage you to reach out to Farm First. Farm First is a free, confidential resource to help farmers and their families reduce stress through counseling and connection to other resources.

 

 

  • NOFA-VT Farm Sales + Distribution Matchmaking Tool
    • Connect with other farmers as folks navigate market disruptions due to the flood. If you have lost sales/distribution channels or equipment, make a note in the spreadsheet. Conversely, if you are able to take extra products at your farmstand/CSA/other sales outlet, can assist with distribution, or have equipment to share, please share that as well. People who have matching needs and resources to share are encouraged to connect directly.