USDA Prepares for Hurricane Response

As a slightly downgraded, but highly dangerous Hurricane Florence targets the Carolinas, the Department of Agriculture stands ready to help once the storm passes. USDA Thursday said staff in the regional, state and county offices in the impacted areas are ready and eager to help the rural and agricultural community. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue says it’s “our job,” adding USDA is “ready to assist when natural disasters strike.” USDA has important roles in both response to hurricanes and recovery efforts. USDA is also staffing the Regional Response Coordination Center in the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Region four, which covers eight states including North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. USDA is providing 24-hour staffing to the FEMA National Response Coordination Center, and has personnel supporting the North Carolina and South Carolina State Emergency Operations Centers. A complete overview of USDA assistance is available on the new website, Farmers.gov.