Agriculture and Natural Events and Disasters
Natural Events and Disasters
Every year natural disasters, such as hurricanes, floods, fires, earthquakes, and tornadoes, challenge agricultural production. Because agriculture relies on the weather, climate, and water availability to thrive, it is easily impacted by natural events and disasters.
- contamination of water bodies,
- loss of harvest or livestock,
- increased susceptibility to disease, and
- destruction of irrigation systems and other agricultural infrastructure.
These impacts can have long lasting effects on agricultural production including crops, forest growth, and arable lands, which require time to mature. Learning how to prepare for and recover from natural events and disasters will decrease their long-term effects on agriculture and the environment.
Even though natural events and disasters can be devastating to agricultural production, it does not excuse noncompliance with state and federal environmental laws. The links below provide resources and assistance with planning and preparing for and responding and recovering from natural disasters.