Hurricane disaster program announced
?This program is applicable to the following Tennessee counties: Giles, Lawrence, Wayne, Hardeman, Hardin, McNairy, Fayette, Shelby, and Tipton counties,? according to Steve Stubblefield, Warren County agency director. ?Losses because of other causes, including reduced market prices or other adverse weather conditions are not covered under this program.?
Various programs offered through this disaster declaration include the Citrus Program, Fruit and Vegetable Program which consists of plasticulture (fruit and vegetables) and other than plasticulture (fruit and vegetable crops), Tropical Fruit Program, and Nursery Program.
?Because eligible losses are based on the physical location of the damage or loss, and because some producers may still be displaced, the Hurricane Disaster Program is required to be publicized in all counties in the applicable states,? Stubblefield said.
The sign-up period for the Hurricane Disaster Program (HDP) began December 11, 2006 and will continue through Feb. 2, 2007. Producers must request benefits by close of business, Feb. 2, 2007 and will be allowed two (2) additional weeks after the end of sign-up to provide supporting documentation. No late-filed provisions will apply for the HDP.
?The applications must be filed in the physical location county office where the loss occurred,? Stubblefield explained. ?Producers must certify and provide adequate proof that the losses and expenses incurred were a direct result of the applicable disaster.?
Additional information regarding this program may be obtained at the local Farm Service Agency service center located at 811 Faulkner Springs Road, McMinnville, Tenn.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its program and activities on the basis or race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual?s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA?s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice or TDD). To file a complaint of Discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.