Did your nursery suffer storm damage to temporary structures (e.g., hoop houses) or permanent irrigation equipment during the recent winter blast? Are you interested in funds to help you get the mess cleaned up? And, are you located in Washington or Columbia counties? If so, your local U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency is about to begin accepting applications for help.

In these two counties, at least, sign-ups for Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) funds will begin Feb. 9 and end one month later, on March 9. No late applications will be allowed. Once this period ends, the Washington-Columbia county FSA office will make its funding request to the federal government. For more information, contact Gail Stinnett, CED for Washington/Columbia County Farm Service Agency, 1080 S.W. Baseline Road, Suite B-3, Hillsboro, OR 97123; 503-648-3174, ext. 106; or FAX 503-681-9772.

NOTE: We don’t know if the deadlines or process will be similar for other FSA offices throughout Oregon. When we know, we’ll post the information. In the meantime, your best best is to contact your local FSA office. Just go to this clickable map to find yours.