The 2014 Farm Bill authorized $20 million each fiscal year for ELAP to provide emergency assistance to eligible producers of livestock, honeybees and farm-raised fish. ELAP covers losses due to an eligible adverse weather or loss condition, including blizzards and wildfires, as determined by the Secretary. More specifically, for honeybee losses, ELAP provides assistance for the loss of honeybee colonies in excess of normal mortality. Also, the program covers damage to honeybee hives and honeybee feed that was purchased or produced for eligible honeybees, including additional feed purchased above normal quantities to sustain honeybees until such time that additional feed becomes available.
ELAP sign-up began at local FSA service centers on April15, 2014, for eligible honeybee losses suffered during 2012, 2013 and 2014 program years (losses occurring on or after October 1, 2011, through September 30, 2014). If you have suffered 2012, 2013 or 2014 honeybee losses, you must submit an application for payment and a notice of loss to the local FSA office that maintains your farm records; however, if the local FSA office that maintains your farm records is not in close proximity to the physical location where the honeybee loss occurs, you may submit a notice of loss to the local FSA office in the county where the loss occurs.
The ELAP signup deadline for 2012 and 2013 program year losses ends August 1, 2014. For 2014 program year (losses occurring on or after October 1, 2013, through September 30, 2014), sign-up ends November 1, 2014. Please contact your local FSA office for types of records needed and to schedule an appointment. FSA will use data furnished by you to determine eligibility for program benefits. Furnishing the data is voluntary; however, without all required data program benefits will not be approved or provided.
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