Deadline for WVDA Drought Recovery Program is tomorrow
Finance News (Photo Illustration/MetroCreative)
PARKERSBURG — The deadline for the West Virginia Department of Agriculture drought recovery program is tomorrow. Applications need to be turned in at the U.S. Department of Agriculture office in Parkersburg by the end of the working day on Jan. 30. This is a crucial opportunity for local farmers to receive drought recovery assistance. To combat the severe drought affecting West Virginia in 2024, the state legislature has allocated $10 million in surplus funds to create the West Virginia Department of Agriculture’s (WVDA) Drought Recovery Program. Those eligible are livestock farmers, who are already enrolled in the USDA-Farm Service Agency (FSA) Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP). These farmers can now sign up for the drought recovery program at their local conservation districts. The enrollment period ends today. “First and foremost, we want this funding to get into the pockets of farmers so they can begin pasture restoration and renovation,” said Norm Bailey, Chief of Staff with the WVDA. “The funding will support farmers by covering critical needs, such as restoring drought-damaged pastures, assisting with water resources, and addressing other pressing drought-related expenses. The program aims to fill gaps not covered by federal disaster relief programs,” Bailey added. “West Virginia’s farmers are in the midst of recovery from one of the toughest crises in decades. The severe drought conditions that began mid-July last year was one of the worst the Mountain State has seen in many decades,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt. To qualify for assistance, farmers must be enrolled in the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP). Enhancement payments under the WVDA Drought Recovery Program will be contingent upon LFP enrollment. Farmers must sign up in-person at their local Conservation District by the end of the working day tomorrow. All information the applicant provides MUST match the information on the USDA-FSA 2024 LFP Estimated Calculated Payment Report. Applicants must have key documents at the time they apply, including: A physical copy of the applicant’s USDA-FSA 2024 LFP Estimated Calculated Payment. The report must include an application number and a total gross LFP payment. Producers need a completed W-9 form. If you do not have one, a blank form may be provided at the conservation district office. They also need a completed “Sign Up, Release and Disclaimer Application” form on site. These forms will also be made available at the district conservation offices. After the enrollment period closes, the WVDA will review applications and determine funding for farmers. Farmers can contact their local conservation district for assistance: Little Kanawha (Wood, Ritchie, Wirt, Calhoun, Roane) at 304-422-9088; Upper Ohio (Wetzel, Tyler, Pleasants) at 304-758-2512; West Fork (Doddridge, Harrison, Gilmer, Lewis) at 304-627-2160; Western (Jackson, Mason, Putnam) at 304-675-3054 For additional information, farmers are encouraged to contact the WVDA at 304-558-3200 or visit https://agriculture.wv.gov.Local News
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