PRESS RELEASE:
On March 30th a new grant program designed to assist farmers recovering from the impacts of Tropical Storm Helene opened for application. This is a USDA funded Block Grant, being administered by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture (NCDA&CS), which is designed to address production losses not covered by previous USDA programs, NCDA or by crop insurance. More detailed information about the program, and access to the online application form may be found on the NCDA&CS website (http://ncagr.gov/agdisaster). This grant program applies to four areas:
1. Future Economic Loss
2. Farn Structures, Roads, Bridges, and Culverts
3. Market Loss
4. Forestry Loss (Apply to this area with the NC Forest Service)
Each category requires a separate application and is different from the NCDA Ag Disaster Crop Loss Program which was administered earlier this year. The application period will run March 30, 2026 through May 15, 2026. This program is open to any farmer that was impacted by Hurricane Helene while operating in the 39 counties which were part of the presidential disaster declaration following the storm. Eligible producers include both those which did, and did not previously apply for assistance through the NCDA Ag Disaster Crop Loss program.
Those producers which previously applied for the NCDA Ag Disaster Crop Loss Program will need their application reference number in the application process. This number was included in the Ag Crop Loss application submission confirmation email. The reference number will also be included on any check stubs which were received for NCDA Ag Disaster Crop Loss Program payments. Those that are unable to locate their reference number can obtain it by sending an email to agdisaster@ncagr.gov at any time, or by calling the Disaster Assistance Hotline 1-866-747-9823 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday.
The NC Cooperative Extension, Yancey County Center in Burnsville is available to assist Yancey County residents with the application process. Assistance will be available by appointment only. To schedule your appointment please call (828) 682-6186 and ask for Pam or Vivian. If you have previously applied for the Ag Disaster Crop Loss program, please bring your application reference number to your interview as it will streamline the application process
Additional information on the grant and application process is available on the NCDA webiste (http://www.ncagr.gov/