Shellfish growers who want to learn more about USDA Farm Service Agency programs that provide support and disaster relief may want to tune in to a free broadcast of a seminar on Friday, Aug. 24 , from 2-4 pm organized by the University of Florida IFAS Extension service.

Heather Boyd, agricultural program specialist at Florida’s FSA office, and Brandy VanAernam, director of the Gilchrist County FSA office, will be available to explain:

• The Noninsured Disaster Assistance Program, or NAP, which provides financial assistance to growers of non-insurable crops to protect them against natural disasters that result in crop losses. Learn about coverage levels for the 2019 crop year, application deadlines, and which counties cover oyster crops.
• The 2017 Wildfires and Hurricanes Indemnity Program, or WHIP, which provides disaster relief to agricultural and aquacultural producers. This funding helps replace losses occurred during the 2017 hurricane season. Learn about eligibility and other requirements.

When: Friday, August 24, 2018, 2-4 pm
Attend in Person: FWC Senator Kirkpatrick Marine Lab, 11350 SW 153rd Court, Cedar Key, Florida
Attend Remotely : The workshop will be broadcast live via Zoom. Follow this link to tune in automatically: https://ufl.zoom.us/j/353208317. When you click the link, it will download the free Zoom software onto your desktop, tablet or smartphone. You can also download the Zoom app in advance.

For more information, contact: Leslie Sturmer at 352.543.5057, Email: Lnst@ufl.edu, or Natalie Simon at 352.543.1088, Email: nsimon921@ufl.edu with the University of Florida/IFAS Shellfish Aquaculture Extension Program.

Download the program flyer