Key Updates from the Western Growers Family of Companies Assistance Resources for Farmers Impacted by Recent Flooding By Kara Timmins After weeks of heavy rainfall, growers are faced with an array of challenges associated with floodwater. Relief opportunities and support are available on a state and federal level to help navigate these
difficulties. The updated digital version of this article is available on WG’s website at: www.wga.com/news/assistance-resources-for-farmers-impacted-by-recent-flooding/ CROP INSURANCE The first course of action for farmers who are experiencing flooding should be to contact their crop insurance agent.
Tax Relief There are tax relief opportunities available to those who have been impacted by storms, according to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office. Those who have been affected by storms are eligible to claim a deduction for a disaster loss and will have more time to file their taxes. The filing and payment deadline for individuals and businesses affected by winter storms in California is now May 15, 2023: Tax Relief for Californians Impacted by Storms | California Governor and Businesses Impacted by Storms Now Eligible for Emergency Tax Relief | California Governor Those looking for tax relief can submit their request on the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) webpage: State of Emergency Tax Relief (ca.gov) The California Agricultural Commissioners and Sealers Association (CACASA) Contacting your agricultural commissioner to help with damage assessment is an important step as well. Your county agriculture commissioner is charged with collecting data on damages, and this data is used by federal and state agencies to determine the need for assistance for you and your community. The CACASA website provides an interactive map to show the contact information for the contact for your county: County Info | CACASA California Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides Presidential Declaration
It is important for the grower to be able to provide maps and locations of the fields and damage to the adjuster. It’s also important for the insured to let the adjuster know if they plan on destroying the crop, and not do anything until advised by the adjuster. Crop insurance will not cover for crops that have already been harvested and may still be in the field. FEDERAL DISASTER RESOURCES USDA Resources • Growers who are experiencing the affects of flooding are strongly encouraged to call their local FSA office immediately as they have several programs that can help • The USDA has provided a Disaster Assistance Programs At A Glance brochure for easy reference to assess which assistance programs may be available • Links to the programs noted in the brochure can be found on the USDA’s Disaster Assistance Programs page: Disaster Assistance Programs (usda.gov) Both USDA and the Small Business Administration also have emergency loan programs which you may also wish to access: STATE AND COUNTY DISASTER RESOURCES The California Department of Food and Agriculture has compiled a list of flood recovery resources. CDFA – Flood Recovery Resources (ca.gov) The CCOF published a blog post of flood recovery resources. California Flood Recovery Resources and How You Can Support Impacted Farms
English Fact Sheet Spanish Fact Sheet The following links are for county-specific information: El Dorado County 2022-2023 Storm Information (edcgov.us) Merced County 2023 Flood Resources and Information Disaster Recover Center (press release) Monterey County Tax Relief Eligibility
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MARCH | APRIL 2023
Western Grower & Shipper | www.wga.com
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