The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) has significantly expanded the Emergency Livestock, Honey Bees and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) to include a greater variety of aquatic species, including clams and oysters. ELAP provides financial assistance to eligible producers for losses due to disease, certain adverse weather events or loss conditions, including losses from excessive wind, excessive heat, floods, hurricane, and tidal surge, as determined by the USDA Secretary. Producers can receive benefits from both NAP and ELAP for eligible losses covered by each program. FSA has posted a recording of a webinar held in June to inform the aquaculture community about eligibility, annual acreage reporting, general application process and required loss documentation. To access the recording click here. A presentation slide set and written responses to questions submitted during the webinar are posted here. Contact your local FSA office for more information and to sign-up for ELAP.
