NACAA Poster Submission 2017

1. Role of Agricultural Extension in Disaster Response and Recovery:
A Hurricane Matthew Success Story
Bonnie C. Wells, DPM, Extension Agent II, UF/IFAS Extension St. Johns County, St. Augustine, FL, 32092
Abstract
In October 2016, Florida encountered a storm of a magnitude that it had not seen in more
than 11 years. Category 4 Hurricane Matthew blasted its way up the East Coast with winds in
excess of 100 mph and heavy rainfall. The effects were especially felt in St. Johns County
where more than 1,100 acres of crops were impacted. Asian vegetables and snap beans were
the worst hit, along with cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and squash. Most of these specialty
crop farmers were uninsured and left “hopeless and without options.” In response, the
agricultural agent began assessing farms within 24 hours to document crop losses and
prepare a report for the Agricultural Extension Program Leader with information that
would ultimately be submitted to the USDA in hopes of getting a disaster declaration that
would qualify farmers for federal assistance to help them recover. The agent surveyed 17
farms in St. Johns County. Losses were more than $1.6 million forAsian vegetables and snap
beans alone. Farmers reported 30 to 100% losses. The USDA eventually designated St.
Johns and three other counties in Florida primary natural disaster areas due to the damage
caused by Hurricane Matthew. Without timely and detailed reporting by UF/IFAS
Extension, Florida farmers may not have received the assistance they needed to help recover
from the storm. This response can serve as an example of the role of agricultural extension in
thewake ofadisaster.
Introduction
Hastings, Florida
Ÿ Hurricane Matthew drove powerful winds and storm surge along the Atlantic
coast from central Florida north to the Carolinas from October 7-9, 2016
Ÿ First major hurricane to affect Florida in 11 years
Ÿ 100 mph winds
Ÿ 10 inches rainfall
Methods
Timeline of Events
October 2016
Eye of
Hurricane
Matthew
just off the
coast of St.
Johns
County,
4:00 pm
October 7 October 8 October 13October 9 - October 12
Phonecalls
made
checking in
with key
growers in
St. Johns
County
On-farm
damage
assessments
throughout St.
Johns County
(17 farms)
Report on
damage
assessments
submitted to
UF/IFAS
Extension Ag
Program
Leader
Results
Ÿ 1,100 acres of crops in St. Johns County were impacted, including Asian
vegetables, snap beans, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, squash, mustard
greens, sweet corn and sweet potatoes
Ÿ Losses were estimated at least $1.6 million for Asian vegetables and snap
beans alone
Ÿ On November 9, 2016, the USDA-Farm Service Agency (FSA) made a
primary disaster declaration for St. Johns, Putnam, Flagler and Volusia
counties
Ÿ On average, St. Johns County farmers reported 30 to 60% losses of their
planted acreage, while several experienced a 100% loss
Figure 1. Squash crops slammed by Hurricane
Matthew’s wind and rain
Figure 2. Asian vegetables were particularly hard
hit by the storm
Figure 3. Annihilated snap beans Figure 4. Dirty, destroyed greens Figure 5. Rotting sweet potato
The disaster declaration from the USDA affords qualified growers in St. Johns, Putnam,
Flagler and Volusia counties eligible for low interest emergency loans from USDA’s FSA.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilasack had this to say, “Our hearts go out to those Florida farmers
and ranchers affected by recent natural disasters.” “President Obama and I are committed to
ensuring that agriculture remains a bright spot in our nation's economy by sustaining the
successes of America's farmers, ranchers, and rural communities through these difficult times.
We're also telling Florida producers that USDA stands with you and your communities when
severeweatherand naturaldisasters threatentodisrupt yourlivelihood.”
This was great news for the affected speciality crop growers because most were uninsured
and feeling hopeless after the storm. Timely and detailed reporting by UF/IFAS Extension
facilitated the declaration. This response can serve as an example of the role of agricultural
extension inthewake ofadisaster.
Discussion
Twitter: @StJohnsPlantDrEmail: bcwells@ufl.edu