Disaster Assistance Relief Bill
Plus 2018 Farm Bill Update

Outreach Briefings by FSA and NRCS
Assistance Available for Crop Losses Resulting From:
Volcano Lava and Vog (Hawai‘i, May - Aug), Hurricane Lane (Hawai‘i & Oahu, Aug 22-29), Tropical Storm Olivia (Sept 9)

The U.S. Congress recently passed disaster relief bill which will benefit Hawai‘i & Pacific Basin producers who experienced severe crop loss resulting from the eight Presidential declared disasters in 2018. Producers with crop losses resulting from the effects from these disasters should attend one of the outreach briefings scheduled and contact their closest FSA Customer Service Center.

At these outreach meetings, FSA and NRCS representatives will also discuss changes resulting from the 2018 Farm Bill (Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018). However, the newly authorized WHIP+ is the primary program to be discussed. WHIP+ covers damage due to natural disasters on crops, and damage or destruction to trees, bushes and vines. A copy of the Secretary’s press release is attached as well as flyers for the scheduled outreach meetings.

The Hawai‘i County outreach meetings will take place at:  

• Pāhoa, Sep 27, 4-6 pm, Pahoa Community Center, 15-3022 Kauhale St., Pāhoa, HI
• Ka‘u, Sep 30, 4-6 pm, Ka‘u District Gym Multi-Purpose, 96-1219 Kamani St, Pahala, HI
• Kealakekua, Oct 1, 4-6 pm, CTAHR Ext. Office - Kainaliu Office, 79-7381 Hawaii Belt Road

For additional information: 

• Details about WHIP+ are available now at: www.farmers.gov/recover/whip-plus
• Other FSA Farm Bill program changes can be found at: www.farmers.gov
• Contact your local FSA Customer Service Center at (808) 933-8381 or lester.ueda@hi.usda.gov