North Carolina Farmers Receive $221 Million Federal Grant for Hurricane Helene Recovery

Farmers across North Carolina are set to receive substantial federal assistance following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in 2024.

 

On September 5, 2025, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Stephen Vaden and North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler signed a $221 million federal disaster assistance block grant at the North Carolina Mountain State Fair in Fletcher.

 

This grant targets the 39 counties that received a Presidential Disaster Declaration for Hurricane Helene, addressing production losses not covered by existing USDA programs or crop insurance.

 

The program encompasses four categories of eligible losses: infrastructure damage, market losses, future economic losses, and timber losses.

 

"This $221 million federal disaster assistance block grant for agricultural damage due to Hurricane Helene is welcomed news to North Carolina farmers in Western North Carolina who have been holding on in the aftermath of massive ag losses in 2024," said Commissioner Troxler.

 

"We are grateful for USDA’s continued efforts on this block grant and appreciate their willingness to partner with us on this much-needed assistance."

 

To qualify for funding, certain producers may need to agree to acquire and maintain USDA Risk Management coverage for two crop years for market loss, future economic loss, plasticulture, and aquaculture claims.

 

Commissioner Troxler emphasized the importance of preparedness: "We are currently creating the program work plan and application in coordination with USDA. Once we have approval for the plan, we will work as quickly as possible to distribute this money to impacted farmers."

 

He encouraged eligible farmers to gather documentation of losses to facilitate the application process.

 

In addition to this grant, the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) opened on July 9, providing $16 billion in financial assistance to producers affected by natural disasters in 2023 and 2024.

 

This program offers aid for losses in revenue, crop quality, or production caused by weather-related events during those years.

 

As North Carolina farmers continue to rebuild, these financial resources aim to support their recovery and ensure the resilience of the state's agricultural sector.