(NAFB.com) – The Department of Agriculture will provide more than $3 billion to commodity and specialty crop producers impacted by natural disasters in 2022. Eligible impacted producers can apply for financial assistance through the Emergency Relief Program 2022. The program will help offset the financial impacts of crop yield and value losses from qualifying disasters in 2022. Farm Service Agency Administrator Zach Ducheneaux (DOO-sheh-know) says, “2022 was another year of weather-related challenges — for some, the third consecutive year or more in a row.” ERP 2022 covers losses to crops, trees, bushes and vines due to qualifying, calendar year 2022 natural disaster events, including wildfires, hurricanes, floods, derechos, excessive heat, tornadoes, winter storms, freeze –including a polar vortex, smoke exposure, excessive moisture, qualifying drought and related conditions. Producers can apply for ERP 2022 starting October 31, (today). The application deadline has not yet been determined and will be announced at a later date.