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FSA disaster programs provide important farm safety net
The outgoing executive director of the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Illinois says he’s a firm believer in the agency’s disaster programs.
Scott Halpin, who also farms in northern Illinois, says his term has given him a better respect for the importance of disaster aid.
“In my three years, we’ve seen a lot of smaller disasters, and it might not get the national attention, but those storms when they hit, they’re devastating to those local areas, and they deserve just as much response,” he says.
He tells Brownfield FSA’s disaster response is a vital safety net for farmers and the nation’s food supply.
“Those localized storms like that, they’re important when they hit you.” He says, “So to have resources when you need them is really important.”
If farmers are impacted by a natural disaster, Halpin says in addition to contacting insurance companies, they should also report damage to their local FSA office.
Halpin’s term as Illinois FSA director ends this week with the changing of federal administrations.
AUDIO: Scott Halpin – Illinois FSA
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