HURRICANE IRENE RECOVERY

Days after Irene's flooding we're still trying to process the devestation that happened in our region. While some farms seem to be weathering the storm's aftermath well, others have experienced total loss. In mid-October RAFFL will be hosting a benefit dinner to help our local farmers. Please check back for more details. From all of us at RAFFL, we extend our hearts and support to the community.

For flood-affected farmers, please know that RAFFL can help connect you to needed resources and answer questions. Call (802) 417-1528 or email info@rutlandfarmandfood.org for more info.

How to help Rutland region farms

*If you are a Rutland-region farm affected by the recent flooding and looking for direct assistance, please send an e-mail to kris@rutlandfarmandfood.org to be listed here.

Evening Song Farm - Ryan and Kara of Evening Song Farm lost most of their fields to the flood when the Mill River changed course. The river now runs through their farm, and they will not be able to farm there in the future (view pictures here). Please visit their "help" page on the website to see how you can help support them. Financial contributions can be sent directly to the farm at

Other ways to give

1) The Vermont Community Foundation and Agency of Agriculture have built the Vermont Farm Disaster Relief Fund to help farmers through the current crisis. http://www.vermontcf.org/give-now If you want to make a donation specifically for Rutland County through the Vermont Community Foundation (it's possible!), but please call RAFFL first (802) 417-1528.

2) The Farmer Emergency Fund was established in 1997 to assist organic farmers adversely affected by natural and unnatural disasters like the recent flooding and damage from Irene. We anticipate many requests for funds after this disaster, so all donations are welcome. Grants and zero-percent-interest loans are awarded to farmers in need as funds are available. http://nofavt.org/programs/farm-financial-resources/farmer-emergency-fund

Resources for Farmers

UVM - Extension: www.uvm.edu/extension

NOFA-VT: http://nofavt.org

Vermont Agency of Agriculture: www.vermontagriculture.com

USDA Farm Service Agency: (802) 658-2803.
For reporting losses in Rutland County: (802) 775-8034 ext. 2

Natural Resources Conservation Service: (802) 951-6796

Poultney Mettowee Natural Resources Conservation District: (802) 287-8339

UVM Extension has many resources available on its home page right now-- www.uvm.edu/extension. Here are some specific topics that are of interest to farmers right now:

Post Flooding Produce Safety for Commercial Produce Growers by Ginger Nickerson, UVM Center for Sustainable Agriculture GAPS Coordinator

Grazing, Cutting Hay, and Harvesting Corn from Flood Damaged Fields by Sid Bosworth, UVM Extension Agronomy Specialist, and Dennis Kauppila, UVM Extension Farm Business Management Specialist

How to Report Flood Damage from Hurricane Irene press release by VT Emergency Management

USDA Farm Service Agency contact information. On the UVM Extension homepage you can also download an Agricultural Damage Assessment Form that is being used by the FSA to compile data about the extent of damage to farms in Vermont. Please take the time to submit this information as it helps in securing funding for flood recovery efforts.

If you have crop insurance or insurance for your farm business or property, make sure to contact your insurance agent before taking any action on the damages. Also, take lots of pictures to document your losses.