Farmers who lost buildings and equipment in last week's storm learned more Monday about the possibility of federal disaster relief.

At Zittel Farms in Eden, Bill Zittel figures he lost 90 percent of his greenhouses, which cover three acres. That's bad news considering the farm usually starts growing its vegetable crop near the end of January.

"I have cleanup cost and I have no source of income. I have no way to pay our help, no way to pay ourselves because I don't have any income coming in," Zittel said.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is meeting with farmers from across the region to pledge her support.

"These farmers, if they get the runaround or red tape we will speak on their behalf. We will help them," said Sen. Gillibrand, D-New York.

Zittel said his insurance is not even going to touch the estimated $5 million in damage done to his farm, which has been in the family since 1896.

Leaders say the threshold for FEMA aid is $27 million worth of damage and that's expected to be met, but Gillibrand said that navigating the process is complicated.

"It never goes well, and it never is easy, and the amount of money that families and businesses need to rebuild, they're never made whole," said Gillibrand.

For farmers like Zittel, who, by nature, rely on faith, there's only one thing to do: keep going.

Source - http://buffalo.twcnews.com/