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Disaster Resources

Disaster Assistance for Oregon's Agricultural Community

At the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA), we know that farming and ranching are not day jobs — it is a way of life deeply affected by the forces of nature. From severe droughts and floods to unexpected frosts and wildfires, natural disasters can pose significant challenges to the agricultural community.

Our Commitment to Supporting You

ODA is committed to standing by Oregon’s farmers and ranchers during tough times. We recognize the resilience and dedication it takes to sustain agricultural operations in the face of adversity. That is why we are here to help you navigate through the resources and assistance available to you.

 

AgriStress Helpline

If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text the Oregon AgriStress Helpline at 833-897-2474 – it's free, confidential, and available 24/7.

USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA)

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) offers a variety of programs designed to provide relief and support to agricultural producers affected by natural disasters. To help navigate available programs, use USDA’s Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool.

Protection

Disasters are unpredictable and preparation is critical to be prepared. USDA offers programs that provide coverage for producers to help them manage risk and to protect their operations from the impact of natural disasters and offer price support for drops in prices or revenues.

Crop Insurance

USDA provides crop insurance for producers through the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation. The Federal crop insurance program is designed to provide a robust and reliable farm safety net, regardless of the size and scope of natural disasters.

USDA’s Risk Management Agency works closely with Approved Insurance Providers, who sell and service the policies that producers purchase, to ensure efficient loss adjustment and prompt claims payments, even in times of major disasters. Visit USDA Risk Management Agency’s website for crop insurance information and use the Agent Locator to find a crop insurance agent near you.

USDA also offers crop insurance coverage for prevented planting. Learn more about resources available for prevented or delayed planting.

Noninsured Crop Disaster Program

The Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) helps producers to manage risk through coverage for both crop losses and crop planting that was prevented due to natural disasters. The eligible or “noninsured” crops include agricultural commodities not covered by federal crop insurance.

Producers must be enrolled in the program and have purchased coverage for the eligible crop in the crop year in which the loss incurred to receive program benefits following a qualifying natural disaster.

Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage

Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs provide income support to farmers from substantial drops in crop prices or revenues and are vital economic safety net programs for most American farms.

Dairy Margin Coverage

Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program is a voluntary program that provides dairy operations with risk management coverage that pays producers when the difference (the margin) between the national price of milk and the average cost of feed falls below a certain level selected by the program participants.

Disasters

ODA does not have standing disaster relief programs but does assist with providing resources and information for the agriculture community. The Oregon Legislature has provided assistance in extreme cases and any new programs will be updated on this page. Federal disaster programs depend on USDA Secretarial disaster designations – current and historical designations can be found here.

Drought

Each producer experiences drought differently and at different times. Drought is designated on a scale from D0-D4. A Secretarial disaster designation for drought is issued nearly automatic when, during the growing season, any portion of a county meets the D2 (Severe Drought) drought intensity value for eight consecutive weeks or a higher drought intensity value for any length of time as reported in the U.S. Drought Monitor.

The U.S Drought Monitor is updated every Thursday. Check Oregon’s current drought conditions.

Mental Health & Stress

The Oregon AgriStress Helpline is here for the agricultural community, dedicated to serving farming, ranching, fisheries and forestry communities.

  • It is available 24/7 by call or text to 833-897-2474.
  • All calls are answered within 30 seconds.
  • All callers are screened, and intervention occurs for people at imminent risk. Others are offered relevant resources.
  • All callers are offered 24-hour follow-up calls, also through the Helpline.

Western Regional Agricultural Stress Assistance Program

Focuses on communication and collaboration with partners across the region to offer funding opportunities, support in navigating resources, compassion, and education.