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 USDA Offers Food Assistance to Those Affected by Hurricane Sandy
WASHINGTON, November 5, 2012—The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is coordinating with States and partner organizations to provide disaster nutrition assistance to individuals in 13 states affected by Hurricane Sandy.
 USDA Offers Housing Assistance to Rural East Coast Residents Affected by Hurricane Sandy
WASHINGTON, Nov. 1, 2012 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced a comprehensive effort to help USDA-financed homeowners in areas affected by Hurricane Sandy.
 USDA Offers Livestock and Pet Safety Tips In Advance of Hurricane Sandy
WASHINGTON, October 26, 2012 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture is issuing guidance for residents in states who have livestock and pets that might be affected by Hurricane Sandy. USDA is offering these tips to help residents protect the health of these animals in the event of power outages, flooding and other problems that could be associated with the storm.
 Food Safety Is Crucial As Hurricane Sandy Approaches the East Coast
WASHINGTON, Oct. 26, 2012— Hurricane Sandy could bring wind, flooding, heavy rain and possibly snow to the East Coast, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) urges people to take steps now to ensure they have access to safe food. Power outages and flooding that often result from weather emergencies compromise the safety of stored food, and planning ahead can minimize the risk of foodborne illness.
 USDA, Partner Agencies, to Participate in Series of Regional Meetings to Coordinate Long Term Drought Response
WASHINGTON, Sept. 20, 2012—Recognizing that recovery from the drought that affected much of the farm belt will be a lengthy process, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the scheduling of four regional meetings which will outline available resources to assist with local, regional and state recovery efforts. USDA will coordinate with State and local partners, working closely with the Department of Commerce, the Small Business Administration and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to facilitate these meetings.
 USDA Expands Drought Assistance to 22 States
WASHINGTON, Sept. 19, 2012—Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced $11.8 million in additional financial and technical assistance to help crop and livestock producers in 22 states apply conservation practices that reduce the impacts of drought and improve soil health and productivity. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides this assistance through its Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP) and Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).
 Livestock Producers Affected by Disasters Urged to Keep Good Records
WASHINGTON, August 29, 2012 — USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Juan M. Garcia today urged livestock producers affected by natural disasters such as Hurricane Isaac to keep thorough records of their livestock and feed losses, including additional expenses for such things as feed purchases because of lost supplies.
 USDA Announces Assistance to Rural Communities and Residents Affected by Recent Tornadoes
WASHINGTON, March 14, 2012— Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced comprehensive outreach efforts are underway to assess damage and assist rural Midwest and Southern communities in the wake of recent deadly storms.