Federal, State Departments Might Help With Agricultural Losses

According to a press release from the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, there has been "significant damage to agricultural buildings across the state as a result of recent snowstorms and excessive snow loads. "

By Feb. 9, the agency has received reports of collapses or partial collapses of more than 300 structures on 99 farms across the state.  The department continues to tally losses to buildings, equipment, and supplies, as well as the significant loss of livestock resulting from building collapses, the press release says.

USDA's Farm Service Agency, according to the press release, might be able to help.

If you have had a loss because of the weather this winter, you must report it within 30 days of when it became apparent. The release says that "losses can include buildings, equipment, stored feed, livestock, seed, fertilizer, started plants, inventory, etc

FSA will require documentation on ownership, normal mortality, and the number and kind of livestock lost as a result of the storm. All costs can be tracked, including  relocation, transporting feed, disposal, etc.

Fact sheets may be found on FSA's website.  Click on Newsroom then Fact Sheets.

The Connecticut Department of Agriculture is also tallying agricultural losses, the press release says, and the information is going to the governeor, as a way to support requests for possible federal help. 

"In addition to reporting your loss to FSA," the release says, "you can help the agency's efforts by also reporting your agricultural loss to the Connecticut Department of Agriculture. To report your agricultural loss, please contact the commissioner's office at (860) 713-2500."

FSA can be contacted at the phone numbers below:

Connecticut State FSA Office
344 Merrow Road, Suite B
Tolland, CT 06084-3917
Telephone:      (860) 871-4090
(860) 871-4099 (FAX)
Marsha B. Jetté - State Executive Director

Hartford-Tolland County FSA Office
100 Northfield Drive, FL 4
Windsor, CT 06095-4730
Telephone:      860-688-7725
860-688-0083 (FAX)
Ross E. Eddy - County Executive Director

Litchfield-Fairfield County FSA Office
1185 New Litchfield Street
Torrington, CT 06790-6098
Telephone:      (860) 626-8852
(860) 626-8850 (FAX)
Howard E. Rood - County Executive Director

New Haven-Middlesex County FSA Office
97 Barnes Road
Wallingford, CT 06492-1900
Telephone:      (203) 269-6665
(203) 294-9741 (FAX)
Nancy H. Welsh - County Executive Director

New London County FSA Office
238 West Town Street
Norwich, CT 06360-6599
Telephone:      (860) 887-9941
(860) 887-4082 (FAX)
Ann Marie McCard - County Executive Director

Windham County FSA Office
139 Wolf Den Road
Brooklyn, CT 06234-1729
Telephone:      (860) 774-8397
(860) 779-0148 (FAX)
Dawn S. Pindell - County Executive Director


www.CTGrown.gov

www.ct.gov/doag