The Guam Department of Agriculture (DOAG) Agriculture Development Services (ADS) Division has initiated preliminary damage assessments of crop, livestock, and farm property losses sustained during Super Typhoon Sinlaku.
These assessments are the first step toward processing compensation under Guam’s locally funded Crop Loss Compensation Program, subject to the appropriation of funds. Site visits to commercial farms are currently underway to determine the extent and variability of losses.
Authorized under Public Law 22-64 and Public Law 24-256, the program provides financial assistance to eligible registered farmers and ranchers whose agricultural operations sustained losses due to natural disasters. While compensation is not intended to cover the full cost of damages, it serves as critical recovery support to help producers rebuild and resume agricultural operations, as quickly as possible.
Compensation is based on documented expenditures supported by receipts for registered fruits, crops, livestock (including aquaculture), ornamentals, and other qualifying agricultural products.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for compensation, farmers and ranchers must meet all of the following criteria:
- Hold a valid (not expired) Bona Fide Farmer Certification with ADS as of April 13, 2026, when Guam was placed under Condition of Readiness 1 (COR1)
- Have all crops, livestock, and aquaculture properly registered with ADS prior to the storm.
- Be in full compliance with all DOAG registration and renewal requirements.
Immediate Steps for Eligible Farmers and Ranchers
While the formal application process will be announced once funds are appropriated, eligible farmers and ranchers are strongly encouraged to begin preparing the following:
- Loss inventory: A detailed list of all crop and livestock losses, including acreage or counts, limited to items registered with ADS on your most recent certification report, prior to the storm.
- Property damage records: Documentation of damaged or destroyed farm structures or equipment as a direct result of Super Typhoon Sinlaku.
- Receipts for production-related expenditures: All receipts for inputs directly related to the lost crops or livestock (e.g., seeds, fertilizer, feed, materials).
- Photographic evidence: Clear photographs showing storm damage, with visible references to your identity and/or farm location.
- Valid Bona Fide Farmer Certification: Ensure your registration with ADS is current and not expired.
What Comes Next
Once funds are appropriated by the Guam Legislature, DOAG will announce details for a community briefing, including application procedures, deadlines, and submission locations. The Department will provide advance notice of the submission deadline and will make every effort to ensure farmers and ranchers have sufficient time to apply.
DOAG remains firmly committed to supporting Guam’s agricultural community through this recovery process and thanks farmers and ranchers for their patience and resilience in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Sinlaku.
For further inquiries, please contact:
Glenn Takai, DOAG Deputy Director and Acting ADS Chief at (671) 300-7968 or glenn.takai@doag.guam.gov; or Fidela Balajadia at (671) 300-7973, and Ursula Herrera or Michelle Santos at (671) 300-7967.
DPHSS Update - Urgent Food Commodity Distribution for Typhoon-Affected Households
The Division of Homelessness Assistance and Poverty Prevention (DHAPP) of the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS), is actively deploying food commodity distributions across multiple locations this week to reach households impacted by storm-related food loss following Typhoon Sinlaku.
Food assistance is prioritized for households affected by food loss, including those receiving SNAP, Medicaid, MIP, or with limited resources. DPHSS will make every effort to serve those in need.
Food assistance will be available at the following locations:
-
Thursday, April 23, 2026
Adelup Breezeway
9:00 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Drive-through distribution -
Friday, April 24, 2026
Micronesia Mall (Sinlaku Recovery: DPHSS In Action outreach event providing FREE medical care, immunizations, and food support)
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Walk-up distribution -
Friday, April 24, 2026
Northern Region Community Health Center (NRCHC), Dededo
3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Drive-through distribution
This week’s distributions are part of an accelerated recovery effort to reach households still facing food loss following the storm. Community members who are unable to attend Thursday’s distribution are encouraged to access the final two distribution opportunities scheduled on Friday.
Individuals may be asked to provide identification and must complete a brief form to confirm household eligibility at the time of distribution. Households experiencing need are encouraged to attend. Supplies are limited and will be distributed while available.
DPHSS continues to actively mobilize services across the island to meet urgent needs and restore access to essential support during this critical recovery period.
Additional updates will be provided as recovery efforts continue. For more news and updates from DPHSS, follow @dphssguam on Instagram and @guamdphss on Facebook, or visit dphss.guam.gov For questions related to the food commodity distribution, contact DHAPP at dhapp@dphss.guam.gov.
All GDOE Schools Return to In-Person Instruction
The Guam Department of Education (GDOE) announces that additional schools have been cleared for reopening tomorrow, Thursday 04/23/26:
- J.Q. San Miguel Elementary School
- J.M. Guerrero Elementary School
- M.U. Lujan Elementary School
- D.L. Perez Elementary School (Headstart)
With these final schools cleared for reopening, all GDOE schools have now returned to in-person instruction.
For the latest updates from the Joint Information Center, visit https://ghs.guam.gov/.