Farmer Survey on Climate Related Losses

MDAR is gathering information from farmers about weather-related losses in 2023 and 2024.

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Farmers: Report 2023 and 2024 weather-related damage to support upcoming disaster relief program by January 17, 2025.

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Please take a few minutes to complete a survey concerning weather-related losses in 2023 and 2024 to help the state determine how much funding to request from the federal government to help cover those losses. We are seeking reports on losses related to production, infrastructure, inputs, and other factors.

In late December the US Congress passed a budget bill that included funding to provide relief to farmers in eight states – New England, Alaska, and Hawaii – for losses as a result of climate-related factors incurred during 2023 and 2024. Each state is being asked to estimate total losses and develop a program to disburse the funds among farmers. Your response to this survey will help us determine how much funding the state should request from the federal government, and what types of losses coverage is needed for. Questions ask about losses due to particular events in these two years, as well as loss due to longer-term stresses exacerbated by weather conditions in these two years. Examples of types of losses we are gathering information about include, but are not limited to:

  • Production losses.
  • Damage to infrastructure such as buildings, hoop houses, fences, or roads.
  • Increased production costs due to pressure from invasives.
  • Losses due to soil contamination.
  • Physical damage to cropland.
  • Increased cost of inputs, such as feed.

Click here to respond to the survey.

Following the state responses, USDA will develop a formula for distributing block grants to states, and MDAR will design and implement a program for Massachusetts farmers to apply for consideration for funding. It is anticipated that demand will exceed available resources, so not all losses will be covered. Awardees will likely be asked to provide receipts and other records related to any losses in anticipation of any verification or audit requirements related to this program.

At this stage of the process it is most important that we collect information to illustrate the total scope of losses. Please respond to the survey even if you have received grants, loans, or insurance payments related to the indicated losses. When launched, the program application will take those payments into account.

Responding to this survey does not guarantee access to or eligibility for funding. Parameters of the program at both the state and federal level are still being refined, and some of the types of loss indicated on this survey may not ultimately be eligible for payment in the program. All responses are subject to Massachusetts Public Records Law. Your response to this survey can be anonymous, but respondents have the option of including their email addresses to ensure timely notification of the launch of the program. Program announcements will be circulated widely through all MDAR channels and stakeholder partners.

The survey will remain open through January 17th.

Please direct any questions to MDAR Deputy Commissioner Winton Pitcoff at Winton.Pitcoff2@mass.gov

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