State Resources
Technical Assistance & Guidance
MDAR’s Produce Safety Division has developed technical assistance and guidance (.pdf) in response to the July storms.
Mental Health & Wellness Program
MassGrown Wellness - Massachusetts Agricultural Community Mental Health & Wellness Program
USDA Updates and Resources
FSA has made some of their programs and policies more flexible in response to the flooding. Details here: USDA Offers Disaster Program Flexibilities for Flood-Impacted Producers in the Northeast (8/14/23)
Farmers with damage to crops and property as a result of the storm should contact their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) county office to report assessed loss. Doing so helps determine federal relief opportunities.
Producers with private crop insurance are encouraged to call their crop insurance agents to report losses.
USDA Natural Disaster Designations allows the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation, or to refinance certain debts. For more information, please see the following links or contact the Massachusetts FSA at: Massachusetts State Office (usda.gov)
- Rain and Flooding: USDA Designates 7 Massachusetts Counties Primary Natural Disaster Areas 07/09/2023 – 07/16/2023
- Freeze: USDA Designates 10 Massachusetts Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas 5/17/2023 – 5/18/2023
- Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool to help farmers determine what programs/resources they may be eligible for.
- Emergency Conservation Program can provide resources for debris removal and cleanup of cropland.
- USDA’s Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program provides financial assistance to producers of non-insurable crops when low yields, loss of inventory, or prevented planting occur due to natural disasters.
Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA) has opened their emergency farm fund, which can provide zero-interest loans to impacted farmers.
Farm Credit East Cares Assistance | Farm Credit East Announces $250,000 in Flood Relief for Northeast Producers.
Farm Aid has compiled this list of relief resources.
Resources from the Northeast Cover Crops Council may help farmers considering planting cover crops on flood-impacted fields.
Farm Feed-Finder Marketplace - connects farmers needing feed and those selling feed
NOAA has real-time river level monitoring, as well as predictions for some rivers.
Charitable Organizations Providing Recovery Resources for July 2023 Flood Event
Excessive rain during the month of July 2023 caused extensive damage in communities across western and central Massachusetts.
Below are charitable efforts supporting residents and businesses affected by the flooding. Additional organizations providing resources and other ways to make charitable contributions may be added.
Massachusetts Farm Resiliency Fund (United Way of Central Massachusetts)
Philanthropic partners and private foundations have joined together to raise aid for farmers affected by severe weather. Funds will be distributed rapidly by the United Way through a deliberate selection process. To learn more click here.