USDA Offers Assistance to Honeybee, Livestock and Farm-Raised Fish Producers

United States Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced disaster assistance is available for livestock, honeybee and farm-raised fish producers who suffered losses in 2008 due to weather conditions and other damages.
The Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) will fund all low-rate loans to producers. $10 million is disaster assistance is available, and more than $6 million is specifically for honeybee producers.
“American farmers, ranchers and producers should have protection from market disruptions and disasters,” Vilsack said. “The assistance announced today will be particularly helpful to beekeepers whose bees suffered from Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) and will also assist other producers facing economic challenges.”
The funding is available for any producers who suffered losses that are not covered under the Supplemental Agricultural Disaster Assistance programs.
Producers can apply now at their local Farm Service Agency office. Money for 2009 losses will be available at the end of this summer.
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