The Biltmore Beacon reports that farmers and growers in Western North Carolina will receive $221.2 million from the U.S Department of Agriculture to assist with Hurricane Helene recovery.
U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Stephen Alexander Vaden made the announcement when meeting with state agricultural leaders on Sept. 9.
He signed a block grant agreement with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDACS) that provides $221.2 million in funding for a multi-pronged program. The program will cover eligible infrastructure and timber losses, in addition to eligible market losses and future year revenue losses.
This funding is part of the $30 billion disaster assistance relief effort authorized by the American Relief Act in 2025. USDA is working with 14 states, including North Carolina, to develop and implement block grants to address the unique disaster recovery needs for each state.
“By signing this block grant with North Carolina, USDA is ensuring that producers have the resources to rebuild stronger after Hurricane Helene and keep producing the food and fuel our nation depends on,” Vaden said.
“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,” said North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler.
“We all have an interest in the success of agriculture because farmers produce the food and fiber we all depend on.”
Visit the 2023/2024 Supplemental Disaster Assistance public landing page to track the status of USDA disaster assistance. The page is updated regularly and accessible through fsa.usda.gov.