Curbside Storm DebrisCollection Underway

This assessment supports informed decision-making at the local, state, and federal levels related to disaster declaration, response, and recovery

The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Economic Impact Analysis Program (EIAP) is conducting a survey to determine agricultural damages from Hurricane Helene.

The survey results will be used to estimate production losses and inform local, state, and federal decision-making related to disaster declaration, response, and relief.

How do producers access the survey?

Vist https://fred.ifas.ufl.edu/extension/economic-impact-analysis-program/disaster-impact-analysis/damage-assessments-faqs/ or contact your local UF/IFAS Extension county office to report by phone, receive a paper copy, or request an in-person assessment, where available.

What does the survey ask for?

The disaster assessment survey requests the general location of the operation (county/ZIP code), commodity-specific details including total acreage, affected acreage, and estimated production losses. In addition, there is an option to supply additional information on infrastructural assets, stored products, or stored agricultural inputs that might have been damaged or destroyed. Respondents are also able to share additional experiences and photos, if they desire.

How does this effort benefit producers and the agricultural industry in Florida?

This assessment supports informed decision-making at the local, state, and federal levels related to disaster declaration, response, and recovery. More specifically, survey responses and subsequent analyses provide data and insights to industry associations, government agencies, policy makers, and emergency management personnel.

Other agencies and organizations collect this kind of information. Should producers still complete the UF/IFAS survey along with the others?

Yes. Several agencies and organizations collect much of the same information, but each is using it for a different purpose. The different agencies and organizations often do share insights from the data they are collecting to support the various efforts related to disaster declaration, response, and relief. These efforts are complementary.

See go.ufl.edu/damage-assessment-faqs for more FAQs and to access the survey.

For comprehensive local storm recovery resources, visit HCFL.Gov/StormRecovery.

Additionally, you can follow Hillsborough County on social media at Facebook, X, Nextdoor, and Neighbors for updates.