Hurricane Helene left a significant impact on many farms across Western North Carolina. From damaged pastures and lost crops to infrastructure issues and financial strain, many producers are still working to recover. In response, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services is offering support through the USDA Block Grant Disaster Assistance Program to help agricultural operations rebuild and move forward.
What is the Program?
The Federal Block Grant Assistance Program provides financial assistance to producers who experienced losses due to Hurricane Helene. This Block Grant is for production losses not covered by USDA programs or crop insurance. The program will cover four categories of eligible losses.
Eligible losses may include:
- Infrastructure Damage
- Market Losses
- Future Economic Losses
- Timber Losses (Will start accepting applications mid to late April)
Why This Matters?
For many producers, Hurricane Helene caused unexpected and costly setbacks. Programs like this are critical in helping:
- Stabilize farm operations after disaster
- Recover lost income and productivity
- Rebuild infrastructure and resources
Too often, assistance programs go underutilized simply because producers are unsure if they qualify or are hesitant to apply.
Who should apply?
If your operation was impacted by Hurricane Helene in any way, it is strongly encouraged that you:
- Review the program details
- Gather documentation of your losses
- Submit an application
Even if you are unsure about eligibility, it is worth taking the time to apply or ask questions.
Don't Leave Assistance on the Table
Applying may take some time, but this program is an opportunity to recover funds that can make a meaningful difference for your operation. Keep in mind:
- Pay close attention to application deadlines
- Provide as much accurate documentation as possible
- Reach out if you need help with the process
Extension is Here to Help
Your local Cooperative Extension office is here to support you during recovery. We can:
- Help you understand program requirements
- Assist with gathering necessary information
- Answer questions specific to your operation
We know recovery looks different for every farm, and we are here to help you navigate the process.
Learn More & Apply
🔗 Federal Block Grant Assistance Webpage
Recovering from Hurricane Helene will take time, but resources like this are in place to help ease that burden. If your farm was impacted, I strongly encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity. Don’t hesitate to reach out—Extension is here to support you every step of the way.
For more information contact the office at (828) 764-9480.
