scope:

Purpose.

This subpart describes and explains the types of incidents which can result in an area being determined a disaster area, thereby making qualified farmers in such areas eligible for Farmers Home Administration (FmHA) or its successor agency under Public Law 103- 354 Emergency (EM) loans. With respect to natural disasters, it sets forth the responsibility of the Secretary of Agriculture; the factors used in making a natural disaster determination; the relationship between FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103- 354 and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); the method for establishing and using Emergency Loan Support Teams (ELST) and Emergency Loan Assessment Teams (ELAT); the training of FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103- 354 personnel; and disaster related public information functions. The natural disaster determinations/notifications made under this subpart do not apply to any program other than the FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 EM loan program. FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354's policy is to make EM loans to any otherwise qualified applicant without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, age, or physical/mental handicap (provided the applicant can execute a legal contract) as provided by law.