Federal Agricultural Assistance for Extreme Heat (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Aug. 6, 2024 |
| Report Number |
IF12731 |
| Report Type |
In Focus |
| Authors |
Christine Whitt |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration
(NASA) reported June 2023 to May 2024 as 12 consecutive
months of record-high monthly average global surface
temperatures (Figure 1). The U.S. Global Change Research
Program’s Fifth National Climate Assessment reported, “it
is very likely that heatwaves will increase in frequency,
severity, and duration as warming continues.”
Extreme heat conditions can impact agricultural
productivity (e.g., decrease commodity yields and increase
livestock deaths) and farm profitability. For example, one
peer reviewed study found that two days of relatively high
temperatures reduced yields in many non-irrigated U.S. row
crops. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
administers programs designed to offer financial assistance
to U.S. agricultural producers recovering from production
losses, including those due to extreme heat conditions.
This In Focus provides an overview of USDA programs
available to assist agricultural producers in recovering from
extreme heat conditions. It does not discuss other programs
for community water, housing, or food assistance offered
by USDA or other federal agencies. For more information
on other heat-related disaster assistance, see CRS Report
R46873, Emergency Response to Extreme Heat: Federal
Financial Assistance and Considerations for Congress.
