Section 1: Purpose
The purpose of this Act is to provide farmers across the United States with timely and sufficient support in the event of disasters, including fires, natural disasters, equipment breakdowns, and infrastructure failures. The Act establishes emergency relief mechanisms, tax incentives, affordable insurance programs, and fire prevention grants to minimize the financial and operational impact of such disasters on the nation’s agricultural community and to enhance the resilience of American farms.
Section 2: Definitions
• Disaster: Any catastrophic event, including but not limited to fires, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, equipment breakdowns, or other natural or man-made disasters, that results in significant damage or loss to agricultural operations.
• Eligible Farmer: Any person or legal entity engaged in agricultural production, including crop and livestock farming, who has suffered substantial damage or loss as a result of a disaster as defined by this Act.
• Essential Infrastructure: Key agricultural structures and equipment, including barns, silos, milking parlors, greenhouses, irrigation systems, and other structures essential for the continuation of farming operations.
• Emergency Relief: Funds and resources made available to farmers in the immediate aftermath of a disaster for the purpose of restoring agricultural operations.
Section 3: Emergency Disaster Relief Grants and Low-Interest Loans
(a) Emergency Disaster Relief Fund:
• The Secretary of Agriculture shall establish an Emergency Disaster Relief Fund to provide direct grants and low-interest loans to eligible farmers for the purpose of rebuilding and repairing essential infrastructure damaged or destroyed by a disaster.
• Grants may cover up to 50% of the cost of rebuilding or repairing essential infrastructure, while the remaining costs may be covered by low-interest loans with favorable repayment terms.
(b) Eligibility:
• To be eligible, farmers must demonstrate that their agricultural operation has suffered substantial damage or loss as a direct result of a disaster. Eligibility shall be determined by criteria set forth by the Secretary of Agriculture.
(c) Application Process:
• The Secretary of Agriculture shall establish a streamlined application process to ensure that funds are made available to eligible farmers as quickly as possible. Farmers must apply within 60 days of the disaster to qualify for grants or loans under this Act.
Section 4: Tax Incentives for Rebuilding Agricultural Infrastructure
(a) Tax Credits:
• Farmers who rebuild or repair essential agricultural infrastructure following a disaster shall be eligible for federal tax credits equal to 30% of the cost of repairs or new construction, up to $250,000 per farm operation.
(b) Eligible Expenses:
• Expenses eligible for tax credits include the cost of materials, labor, and other costs directly associated with rebuilding or repairing barns, silos, milking parlors, irrigation systems, and other essential agricultural structures.
(c) Additional Deductions:
• Farmers who make investments in disaster-resistant infrastructure, such as fire suppression systems, flood mitigation structures, and wind-resistant buildings, shall be eligible for additional tax deductions.
Section 5: Affordable and Tailored Agricultural Insurance Programs
(a) Creation of Specialized Insurance Programs:
• The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, in coordination with the Secretary of Agriculture, shall establish affordable, specialized insurance programs to provide comprehensive coverage for agricultural-specific risks such as fires, equipment breakdowns, and natural disasters.
(b) Incentives for Participation:
• Farmers who participate in fire prevention programs or other risk mitigation efforts shall be eligible for premium reductions under these insurance programs.
(c) Coverage:
• Insurance programs under this Act shall provide coverage for direct physical losses to essential infrastructure, equipment breakdowns, and loss of crops or livestock due to qualifying disasters.
Section 6: Fire Prevention Training and Safety Grants
(a) Fire Prevention Grants:
• The Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with local fire authorities, shall establish a grant program to assist farmers in implementing fire prevention measures, including installing fire suppression systems, upgrading electrical systems, and conducting fire safety training.
(b) Eligibility:
• Farmers who demonstrate a need for fire prevention infrastructure and training shall be eligible for grants covering up to 75% of the costs associated with these measures.
(c) Education and Outreach:
• The Department of Agriculture, in partnership with state and local governments, shall provide educational resources and outreach programs to promote fire safety in farming communities.
Section 7: Implementation and Reporting
(a) Implementation:
• The Secretary of Agriculture, in coordination with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and relevant federal and state agencies, shall implement the provisions of this Act within 180 days of its passage.
(b) Reporting:
• The Secretary of Agriculture shall submit an annual report to Congress detailing the number of farmers assisted under this Act, the types of assistance provided, and recommendations for improving the effectiveness of disaster relief programs for farmers.
Section 8: Funding
Funding for this Act shall be made available through annual appropriations by Congress, supplemented by any available disaster relief funds.