WASHINGTON – Agriculture producers who suffered storm-related damage and crop losses over the previous two years can begin applying for special disaster relief funding on July 10th.
North Dakota Senator John Hoeven, who chairs the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, says the $16 billion is being provided through the Department of Agriculture.
Specifically, the funding was allocated to the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program, or ‘SDRP’, to help farmers and producers rebuild from losses sustained during 2023 and 2024.
“Our farmers faced severe hardship from disasters over the past two years, which are compounded by the difficulties resulting from challenging markets and trade negotiations,” said Hoeven in a statement.
“As such, this weather-related disaster assistance that we worked to fund and advance will be a welcome relief.”
Hoeven says prefilled applications are now being mailed to producers, who can submit completed forms in person at Farm Service Agency offices at the county level starting this Thursday.
Eligible disasters include wildfires, floods and winter storms to name a few.
The program is part of the overall $33.5 billion in disaster relief funding that Hoeven says he helped secure in legislation that was passed at the end of last year.
“The improvements we secured to the farm safety net will build upon this assistance, while reducing the need for future ag disaster funding. That’s a win for both producers and taxpayers over the long-term,” said Hoeven.
