The first batch of checks compensating local farmers for crop losses from Super Typhoon Sinlaku was distributed by the Guam Department of Agriculture on Friday, the Leon Guerrero-Tenorio Administration announced.
The initial disbursement totals more than $239,000.
"This is good news for our local growers and livestock producers," said Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero. "Our climate supports year-round crop production and so this money can be put to use right away by farmers who suffered losses from Super Typhoon Sinlaku just 60 days ago."
Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio credited Department of Agriculture staff for standing up the crop loss program quickly. "It has been a nearly flawless execution and textbook example of the government facilitating disaster solutions quickly and efficiently," the administration added.
GDOA Deputy Director Glenn Takai, who helped lead the initial damage assessment, said the disbursement is only the first phase of recovery. "There's still more work ahead and the Department of Agriculture remains committed to completing the remaining distributions as quickly as possible so that our farmers can continue rebuilding and strengthening Guam's food security," he said.
Guam's Crop Loss Compensation Program covers input costs for crops lost to natural disasters, including labor, seeds, fertilizer, property and equipment. Sinlaku caused severe damage to the island's agricultural sector, with an estimated 500 farms suffering combined losses of at least $2 million.