KAHULUI - Farmers and ranchers in Maui County who suffered severe damage during the March 1 to 12 rainstorms may be eligible for federal assistance.
To qualify for funds under the Emergency Conservation Program that is administered by the United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency, there is a set of criteria that must be met.
They include a determination that the damage is so costly that federal assistance is required to return the land to productive agricultural use, is unique and not a recurring problem, materially affects the productive capacity of the farmland or impairs or endangers the land if not treated.
ECP provides cost-share assistance to restore damaged farmlands and conservation practices. The following types of practices may be eligible for cost-share assistance: removing debris from farmland; grading, shaping or releveling severely damaged farmland; restoring permanent fences and restoring conservation structures.
Producers who have suffered a qualifying loss from this natural disaster may sign up for ECP through May 8. For further information, contact the USDA Maui County FSA Office at 871-5500, ext. 2.
