Nunn Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen USDA Disaster Recovery Program

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) today introduced the bipartisan Protecting Farmers from Natural Disasters Act with Representative Don Davis (NC-01) to expand the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program and ensure rural communities have the tools and flexibility they need to recover and prepare for future natural disasters.

"When a natural disaster strikes, Iowa farmers need more than just a short-term fix," said Rep. Nunn . "This bill gives producers the flexibility not only to repair damage, but to invest in long-term improvements that protect their land, strengthen our food supply, and reduce the impact of the next disaster before it happens."

Last year, Iowa farmers were hit hard by the Greenfield tornado, which caused more than $31 million in damage. Statewide, over $430 million was returned in crop insurance payouts due to weather-related losses. These disasters ripple through the nation's food and fuel supply chains.

"This bill is critical for flood and water quality protection, because it allows us to take proactive measures to improve watersheds to mitigate future disasters," said Amber Markham, Director of External Affairs, The Nature Conservancy . "Improving the watershed beyond its pre-disaster condition is a smart, proactive approach to flood mitigation. Prevention will realize cost savings for Iowans long term."

"We commend Representatives Zach Nunn and Don Davis for introducing the Protecting Farmers from Natural Disasters Act ," said Julie Seger, Director of Policy and Government Relations, American Flood Coalition Action . "By updating current law to allow farmers to rebuild stronger post-disaster, this proposal would help prevent future destruction while delivering greater value for taxpayers. We appreciate both members' bipartisan leadership to empower farmers and rural communities to recover faster from floods while boosting readiness for future disasters."

Today, the USDA's EWP Program provides support to restore land to pre-disaster conditions, but it does not allow improvements beyond that level. The Protecting Farmers from Natural Disasters Act addresses this limitation by allowing the USDA to support recovery projects that strengthen and protect land for the future. This change will help secure our food supply and better prepare farmers for the next natural disaster.

"The Protecting Farmers from Natural Disasters Act enhances the USDA's Emergency Watershed Protection Program, equipping communities from coastal areas to inland counties with the resources needed for rapid recovery and preparedness for future storms," said Rep. Davis . "Farmers, families, and agricultural lands in eastern North Carolina require robust support to recover from the challenges of flooding and hurricanes."

This bipartisan legislation builds on the success of the EWP Program and expands its scope so Iowa farmers can recover, rebuild stronger, and prepare for future disasters.

Text of the bill can be found here .

###