By Jamie Martin
The USDA has announced new programs to support farmers affected by natural disasters in 2024. These initiatives will allocate over $2 billion to assist specialty crop producers and expand storage facilities.
The Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops program aims to help fruit, vegetable, and nut farmers overcome high marketing costs and strengthen market access. Applications for this $2 billion program will open in December 2024.
Additionally, the Commodity Storage Assistance Program provides $140 million for producers to access storage facilities like grain elevators and packinghouses. This initiative targets farmers facing storage challenges after disasters like Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton.
"Specialty crop producers play a critical role in U.S. agriculture," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. These programs are especially vital for the Southeast, where farmers are recovering from severe storms.
Complementing these efforts, USDA’s broader disaster aid includes the Emergency Relief Program (ERP) and crop insurance indemnities, totaling over $6 billion in 2024. Nearly $1 billion of these funds supported farmers impacted by hurricanes and storms.
USDA’s continued investments reflect its commitment to strengthening local food systems, improving market access, and supporting farmers nationwide. For more details, visit farmers.gov/hurricane.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National