By Jamie Martin
U.S. Senators Chris Murphy and Richard Blumenthal, alongside Connecticut’s Representatives, are urging farmers to report their losses from extreme weather events that occurred in 2023 and 2024. This effort is critical for farmers to access financial aid through the Farm Recovery and Support Block Grant.
"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 grant, totaling $220 million, is intended to help small and medium-sized farmers recover from losses due to extreme weather events. Farmers do not need to have crop insurance or a national disaster declaration to qualify for the aid, making it accessible to those who might otherwise be left out of the farm safety net.
Farmers are encouraged to complete a survey from the Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg), which will help assess the impact of these weather events. This information will ensure that farmers’ needs are properly accounted for as the state prepares to distribute the disaster relief funds.
The survey covers a variety of losses, including production losses, infrastructure damage, and increased costs caused by invasive species worsened by weather. By completing the survey, farmers help CT DoAg understand the scope of the impact, allowing for quicker disbursement of the funds once they are available.
The deadline for farmers to complete the survey is January 19, 2025. Farmers who have experienced losses in 2023 or 2024 are urged to participate to ensure they receive the necessary support in these challenging times.
Photo Credit: pexels-karolina-grabowska
Categories: National