USDA organizes recovery efforts for Hurricane Irma

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds rural communities, farmers and ranchers, families and small businesses impacted by Hurricane Irma that USDA has programs that provide assistance in the wake of disasters. USDA staff in the regional, state and county offices that stand ready and eager to help.

“In recent weeks, millions of Americans have been affected by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and the wild fires in the west,” Secretary Perdue said. “USDA employees have been working tirelessly and will continue to stand ready to help those in need. As we head down the path to recovery, I am encouraged by the resilience of America’s farmers, ranchers and the American people as a whole that we can come together and get through this trying time.”

USDA’s Operations Center is activated 24/7 keeping the Secretary and USDA’s leadership team informed. An Incident Management Team supports the USDA Operations Center and will remain in effect through both Hurricane Harvey recovery and Hurricane Irma’s response and recovery. USDA has important roles in both response and recovery to hurricanes and stands ready to support the American people who rely on it each day. In a continuing effort to better serve the public, USDA partnered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other disaster-focused organizations to create the Disaster Resource Center website. This central source of information utilizes a searchable knowledgebase of disaster-related resources that are powered by agents with subject-matter expertise. The Disaster Resource Center website and web tool now provide an easy access point to find USDA disaster information and assistance.

USDA also encourages residents and small businesses in impact zones to contact the following offices to meet their individual needs.