The New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food’s Crop Loss Program recently opened to receive applications from New Hampshire producers. The Crop Loss Program allocates $8 million to help farmers who suffered crop losses because of weather-related damages in 2023.

The Crop Loss Program was developed in conjunction with UNH Cooperative Extension. Last year several weather events occurred in New Hampshire that devasted fruit, vegetable, and field crops including a deep freeze in February, a late freeze in May, and an excess of rain during the growing season. In the wake of these events, UNH Extension conducted crop loss surveys to determine the scale of the damages and the economic impact of these losses. The findings of these surveys and other work from UNH Extension helped garner support for a relief program for farmers and played a role in the development of the program.

As of March 1st, eligible farms can apply for awards that account for 50% of a farm’s net loss, with a maximum value award of $500,000. Half of the total granted award will be given upon approval and the other half will be given after the program’s closure on May 15, 2024.

To be eligible for funds farms must meet several requirements including:

• A farm must have experienced at least a 30% commodity loss in 2023
• A farm must have earned a gross income of at least $30,000 in the previous three years
• A farm must neither be closed nor currently in the process of bankruptcy
• A farm must principally be located in New Hampshire

These and a few other factors will be considered to determine the eligibility of a farm receiving relief funds. Applications will be reviewed weekly to help get funds to farmers faster.

Funding for the program comes from repurposed American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and was approved by the New Hampshire Executive Council on February 21, 2024.

“I encourage all New Hampshire farmers to apply for the Crop Loss Program,” said New Hampshire Fruit Growers Association president Madison Hardy. “This is a great opportunity for New Hampshire farms to receive funding. However, it is important to read the application carefully, take your time and ask questions when applying, and be patient throughout the process.”

President Hardy also recommended that growers attend a webinar put on by UNH Extension called Crop Loss Program: Farmer Q&A. Happening March 20th from 12:00-2:00 P.M., this webinar will cover the details of the program, eligibility requirements, how to apply, and have a time of Q&A for attendees to ask questions. 

Applications for the program must be submitted by May 15, 2024.

Source - https://www.morningagclips.com