DISASTER RECOVERY
In the aftermath of a disaster, it might seem like there’s no hope. But in fact, a number of resources exist for survivors as well as affected farms and communities. From financial aid to techniques that help restore your land after a fire, we’ve compiled these resources to help get you back on your feet.
FINANCIAL AID
Whether you lost your home, property, crops, livestock forage or a job, there are many options that might help you recoup your losses.
FEMA: Disaster Assistance
If you are a disaster survivor, you may qualify for federal assistance. This site helps to identify services during a disaster and apply for federal disaster assistance immediately after a disaster.
NRCS Disaster Recovery Assistance
From floods to drought, fire or hurricanes, NRCS provides disaster recovery assistance to farmers, ranchers, landowners and communities through a variety of USDA programs. If you are an agricultural producer affected by a disaster, please contact your local USDA service center for
NRCS Catastrophic Fire Recovery Initiative
The purpose of the Catastrophic Fire Recovery Initiative, offered by NRCS, is to provide immediate resource protection in areas burned by catastrophic fires. Priority resource concerns include immediate soil erosion protection, minimize noxious and invasive plant proliferation, protect water quality,
Navigating Disaster Assistance for Farmers
Assistance from federal programs can make a world of difference for farmers after a disaster. The next few pages outline current disaster programs, all of which are available to farmers. Be sure to check with the appropriate agency for any
Livestock Forage Disaster Program
The Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) provides payments to eligible livestock owners and contract growers who have covered livestock and who are also producers of grazed forage crop acreage (native and improved pasture land with permanent vegetative cover) that has
Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees & Farm-Raised Fish Program
The Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) provides emergency assistance to eligible producers of livestock, honeybees and farm-raised fish. It covers losses due to an eligible adverse weather or loss condition, including blizzards, disease (including cattle
Tree Assistance Program
Provides financial assistance to eligible orchardists and nursery tree growers to replant or rehabilitate eligible trees, bushes, and vines lost by natural disasters. Eligible trees, bushes, and vines are those from which an annual crop is produced for commercial purposes.
Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program
NAP provides financial assistance to producers of noninsurable crops when low yields, loss of inventory, or prevented planting occur due to natural disasters.
LAND MANAGEMENT POST-DISASTER
Disasters can wreak havoc on your land. How you manage your land in the weeks and months following a disaster will determine well those natural resources recover.
Resilient Ranchlands
A Review of Prescribed Fire for Forage Improvement and Fuels Management Written by Josh Harjes, 2023-2024 Grizzly Corps Fellow at CAFF’s Wildfire Resilience Program. Rangelands comprise 62 percent of California’s over one hundred million acre land area. The conversation around
Guía Sobre Incendios Forestales e Inocuidad Alimentaria
INTRODUCCIÓN La Ley de Modernización de Inocuidad de los Alimentos fue promulgada en 2011 y comprende numerosas normas. Una de ellas es la Norma de Seguridad de los Productos Agrícolas Frescos (PSR, por sus siglas en inglés), que fue creada
What to Know About Wildfire and Food Safety
Introduction In 2011 the Food Safety Modernization Act was signed into law. Of the many rules in this law, the Produce Safety Rule (PSR) was created to address federal food safety requirements at the farm level, specifically for produce crops.
Gully Stuffing
Gullies pose many threats to farmland, including the removal of fertile topsoil, damage to infrastructure, danger to livestock, and decreased water quality. Also, due to loss of protective vegetation, erosion can increase after wildfire. Gully stuffing can reduce water velocity,
2019 Camp Fire Water Resources Monitoring and Research Symposium
The symposium brought together researchers who have been investigating the impacts of the Camp Fire and other urban fires in Northern California. Speakers covered a diversity of research conducted on waterways, gardens, working landscapes and the urban environment following the
Wildfire and Food Safety References
CAFF’s Wildfire Resilience Program collaborated with the National Farmers Union to create a unique resource called “What to Know About Wildfire & Food Safety”. Be sure to peruse the links below and learn more about how wildfires can impact soil
Webinar: Post-Fire Remediation and Watershed Defense
From CoRenewal, this webinar features Taylor Bright and Matthew Trumm, who will explain the how, what and why of proposed bioremediation approaches, and lessons learned during post-fire wattle biofiltration installations after the 2018 Camp Fire.
Episode 2: Wild Oat Hollow Penngrove, CA
In this episode, Sarah Keiser of Wild Oat Hollow in Penngrove, CA describes her entry into ranching and how her love of the land positioned her to become a leader in developing and supporting community grazing cooperatives. Join us as
LIVESTOCK AFTER A DISASTER
Disasters can greatly affect the health of your animals. Help ensure a sound recovery for everyone living on your farm or ranch.
Resilient Ranchlands
A Review of Prescribed Fire for Forage Improvement and Fuels Management Written by Josh Harjes, 2023-2024 Grizzly Corps Fellow at CAFF’s Wildfire Resilience Program. Rangelands comprise 62 percent of California’s over one hundred million acre land area. The conversation around
What to Know About Wildfire and Food Safety – An Educational Webinar
June 3rd 6-7pm ONLINE Review with us a new booklet on Fire and Food Safety we just produced! Afterwards, participate in a discussion with agricultural producers and technical assistance providers regarding the most recent research and tools for remediation and
Guía Sobre Incendios Forestales e Inocuidad Alimentaria
INTRODUCCIÓN La Ley de Modernización de Inocuidad de los Alimentos fue promulgada en 2011 y comprende numerosas normas. Una de ellas es la Norma de Seguridad de los Productos Agrícolas Frescos (PSR, por sus siglas en inglés), que fue creada
2019 Camp Fire Water Resources Monitoring and Research Symposium
The symposium brought together researchers who have been investigating the impacts of the Camp Fire and other urban fires in Northern California. Speakers covered a diversity of research conducted on waterways, gardens, working landscapes and the urban environment following the
Wildfire Ash: Impacts on Forage Crops
A report from the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources with findings from a study on the impacts of wildfire ash deposition on crops grazed or harvested for livestock feed.
Episode 2: Wild Oat Hollow Penngrove, CA
In this episode, Sarah Keiser of Wild Oat Hollow in Penngrove, CA describes her entry into ranching and how her love of the land positioned her to become a leader in developing and supporting community grazing cooperatives. Join us as
New Podcast Season: Farmer Stories of Wildfire Recovery & Preparedness
CAFF’s Wildfire Resilience Program provides specialized recovery and preparedness resources for small farms and communities in California impacted by wildfire and those seeking to prepare against future threats. One of the best mediums for conducting this type of outreach and
Episode 1: Turkey Tail Farm – Yankee Hill
In this episode we visit Cheetah Tchudi at his diversified operation in Yankee Hill, Butte County, CA. Cheetah shares his experience surviving the 2018 Paradise wildfire, and some methods for recovery; addressing toxic ash using fungi to capture and and
Produce Safety & Food Recovery
Is your produce safe to eat after a disaster? And how can farmers assist in feeding those in feed? And how do you keep your business going in the aftermath?
What to Know About Wildfire and Food Safety – An Educational Webinar
June 3rd 6-7pm ONLINE Review with us a new booklet on Fire and Food Safety we just produced! Afterwards, participate in a discussion with agricultural producers and technical assistance providers regarding the most recent research and tools for remediation and
Guía Sobre Incendios Forestales e Inocuidad Alimentaria
INTRODUCCIÓN La Ley de Modernización de Inocuidad de los Alimentos fue promulgada en 2011 y comprende numerosas normas. Una de ellas es la Norma de Seguridad de los Productos Agrícolas Frescos (PSR, por sus siglas en inglés), que fue creada
What to Know About Wildfire and Food Safety
Introduction In 2011 the Food Safety Modernization Act was signed into law. Of the many rules in this law, the Produce Safety Rule (PSR) was created to address federal food safety requirements at the farm level, specifically for produce crops.
2019 Camp Fire Water Resources Monitoring and Research Symposium
The symposium brought together researchers who have been investigating the impacts of the Camp Fire and other urban fires in Northern California. Speakers covered a diversity of research conducted on waterways, gardens, working landscapes and the urban environment following the
Food Safety in Disaster or Emergency
Another resource with information about keeping food safe before, during, and after emergencies, such as floods, fires, natural disasters, or the loss of power.
Wildfire Retardant Impacts to Organic Certification
In this episode of ‘Sustainability Now!’ host Ronnie Lipschutz and guests Amber Schat and David Obermiller discuss farmers facing the loss of organic certification due to climate-related disasters and wildfires.
Episode 1: Turkey Tail Farm – Yankee Hill
In this episode we visit Cheetah Tchudi at his diversified operation in Yankee Hill, Butte County, CA. Cheetah shares his experience surviving the 2018 Paradise wildfire, and some methods for recovery; addressing toxic ash using fungi to capture and and
COMMUNITY RESPONSE & RECOVERY
Tips and resources to help your community work together to ensure an effective, equitable recovery.
New Podcast Season: Farmer Stories of Wildfire Recovery & Preparedness
CAFF’s Wildfire Resilience Program provides specialized recovery and preparedness resources for small farms and communities in California impacted by wildfire and those seeking to prepare against future threats. One of the best mediums for conducting this type of outreach and
Episode 1: Turkey Tail Farm – Yankee Hill
In this episode we visit Cheetah Tchudi at his diversified operation in Yankee Hill, Butte County, CA. Cheetah shares his experience surviving the 2018 Paradise wildfire, and some methods for recovery; addressing toxic ash using fungi to capture and and
Service Providers for Small Farmers – Crowd Sourced
From Farmer Campus, this crowd sourced spreadsheet contains recommendations for farmers to obtain support and connect with agents around disaster and crop insurance, as well as bookkeepers, CPAs, and attorneys.
Protecting Outdoor Workers Exposed to Smoke from Wildfires
Smoke from wildfires contains chemicals, gases and fine particles that can harm health, especially those working outdoors. We know our family famers want to keep their crews safe and healthy. Learn more here and please take all necessary precautions for
Coping with Disaster
This page offers disaster survivors information regarding dealing with the emotional effects of the event. Below you will find guidance on recognizing the signs of and minimizing the impact of disaster-caused stress. Please remember that reactions and risk response to disasters
Helping Children Cope with Disaster
This booklet offers parents, caregivers, and other adults suggestions on how to help children cope with the effects of disaster, as well as how to be prepared before a disaster strikes.
Office of Recovery and Resiliency
Sonoma County was har hit by recent fires however they have become a model for resilience and innovation. The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors have approved the “Recovery and Resiliency Framework” to serve as a vision and approach for how
Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network
The Network connects and supports people and communities who are striving to live more safely with wildfire, a catalyst for spreading best practices and innovations in fire adaptation concepts nationwide. The purpose of FAC Net is to exchange information, collaborate
Before Disaster Strikes
Is your farm ready for a natural disaster? We know it’s not easy to find time for all of today’s chores, let alone time to prepare for all the events that might or might not happen. But a little preparation now could save you countless hours, heartache, money and even your life and the lives of those you love. Check out these resources to help prepare your home, land, family, animals and community for the very real possibility of disaster.
And to the hundreds of California farms, individuals and businesses that donated to The Just & Resilient Future Fund
