The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has introduced the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Recovery Reimbursement Grant program to offer reimbursement to farms, integrators, and allied industries that have suffered financial losses due to inclusion in a control or quarantine zone during HPAI outbreaks. The program aims to alleviate the economic burden faced by these stakeholders and support their recovery efforts.
Comprising four rounds, the HPAI Reimbursement Grant program provides financial assistance to eligible applicants. The application period for the fourth round is currently open until June 29, 2023. The first three rounds are closed, with the respective application deadlines already passed.
Under the program, losses up to $100,000 will be fully reimbursed, while losses exceeding this amount may receive a reimbursement of up to 50%, with a maximum cap of $1,000,000 per event in the Commonwealth. However, expenses already eligible for coverage through federal funding, insurance, contracts, or other funding sources are not eligible for reimbursement.
The guidelines for each round specify the eligible expenses based on the category of the applicant. These include loss of income, payroll costs, mortgage interest payments, rent payments, utility payments, and working capital for re-opening farming operations after the mandated quarantine period.
To apply, applicants must submit relevant documents such as an IRS Form 1040 or itemized invoices, bills, or receipts to demonstrate their financial losses.
The HPAI Recovery Reimbursement Grant program serves as a crucial support mechanism for poultry farmers, integrators, and businesses directly impacted by HPAI outbreaks. By providing financial relief and helping to cover essential expenses, the program aims to assist affected industries in Pennsylvania during their recovery process.
For further information and to access the application forms, interested individuals can visit the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture's official website.
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Categories: Pennsylvania, General