Emergency Support Function (ESF) #11
The National Response Framework (NRF) guides how government agencies provide a unified response to all types of disasters and emergencies.
Under the NRF, resources from dozens of Federal agencies and certain private sector and nongovernmental organizations are grouped into 15 different “Emergency Support Functions,” or ESFs.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is the coordinating agency for ESF #11, which addresses the protection of agriculture and natural resources. When ESF #11 is activated, APHIS, other USDA agencies, and the U.S. Department of the Interior work together to deliver resources and expertise to affected areas. Below is a summary of the support we provide.
Safeguarding Animal and Plant Health
APHIS coordinates the response to any pest or disease incidents that impact U.S. animal health or plant health. This includes incidents where wildlife may damage agricultural animals or be a reservoir for zoonotic disease. When needed, APHIS also works with public health and medical services partners (ESF #8) to address animal and veterinary issues in natural disasters.
In addition, we provide technical expertise and coordinate resources to support animal management issues that arise during disasters and other emergencies. These issues can include household pets; service and assistance animals; livestock and other agricultural animals; wildlife; and others such as exotics, zoo animals, animals used in research, and animals housed in congregate settings (ex: shelters, rescue organizations, breeding facilities, sanctuaries).
APHIS' role in ESF #11 is consistent with our longstanding mission to safeguard agriculture and natural resources.
Providing Nutrition Assistance
USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) coordinates with State, local, and voluntary organizations to provide food to people affected by a disaster or emergency. USDA Foods are stored in every State and U.S. Territory; State agencies and local disaster relief organizations can use these resources to provide food to shelters or people who are sheltering in place. If requested, FNS may authorize a variety of nutrition assistance programs, including the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Learn more about FNS disaster assistance.
Ensuring a Safe Food Supply
USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) ensures that our Nation’s supply of meat, poultry, and processed egg products is safe and wholesome, produced in a sanitary environment, and labeled accurately. Maintaining safety standards during a disaster or emergency includes a variety of activities, such as inspections at food warehouses and other facilities, foodborne disease surveillance, and field investigations. Learn more about FSIS emergency response.
Protecting Natural and Cultural Resources
The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) is the primary agency responsible for protecting natural, cultural, and historical (NCH) resources. Under ESF #11, DOI coordinates efforts to protect, preserve, conserve, rehabilitate, recover, and restore these resources in preparation for or in response to a disaster. This may include post-event assessments of damages and technical assistance and resources to evaluate impacts of response activities on NCH resources. Learn more about DOI disaster response.
Contact Us
Emergency Support Function #11 Coordinators
Emergency management personnel may contact the APHIS ESF #11 coordinators to address preparedness and response issues within their area.