Help is Here
Posted: April 1, 2025 | Industry News
It’s no secret that 2024 has been one of the toughest years in recent memory for North Carolina farmers. From hurricanes to drought, heavy rains to unexpected weather swings, many of our state’s farmers have suffered devastating crop losses this season. Now, there’s relief on the way.
On Tuesday, April 1, North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler announced that the Agricultural Disaster Crop Loss Program is officially open and accepting applications from farmers impacted by these weather-related disasters. The goal? To help our state’s hardworking producers get back on their feet after a season that’s been nothing short of brutal.
This statewide disaster assistance program is part of a larger, $524 million relief package approved by the North Carolina General Assembly to help communities recover from the impacts of recent weather disasters. Of that funding, nearly $311 million has been earmarked specifically to support North Carolina farmers.
A total of $200 million is directed to farmers in Western North Carolina, while over $100 million is set aside for farmers across the remainder of the state. All 100 counties are eligible to receive aid under the program.
Commissioner Troxler underscored the urgency of the situation at a press conference earlier this week:
“Our farmers are reeling from a disastrous 2024 season, so we are moving quickly to get this program up and running to get money flowing to them. This funding is a lifeline as they look to restore their farms and livelihood.”
Without this assistance, Troxler warned, the impact will be felt well beyond the farm fields:
“If we don’t put farmers back in business, then the food supply goes away.”
The program is open to North Carolina farmers and aquaculture producers who experienced verifiable losses of crops or commodities due to weather-related disasters in 2024. This includes damage from events like Hurricane Helene, Tropical Storm Debby, and other weather disasters that struck the state throughout the year.
To qualify, farmers must meet the following criteria:
All 100 counties are eligible, so no matter where you’re farming in North Carolina, you can apply if you experienced crop loss.
Farmers can access and submit the online application by visiting www.ncagr.gov. The application portal is open now and will close on May 4, 2025.
For farmers who grow nursery crops, fruit-bearing trees and bushes, or certain horticultural crops and may need more time to assess damage, a deadline extension to June 18, 2025 is available. That extension must be requested when submitting the initial application before May 4.
If you or someone you know does not have access to the internet or needs assistance with the application, local county extension offices are available to help. Additionally, the NCDA&CS Disaster Assistance Hotline is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to answer questions:
1-866-645-9403
For farmers like Jackie Thompson of Franklin County, who’s been farming for decades, this year has been one of the toughest yet. He’s not alone. Across North Carolina, many farmers are still trying to figure out how they’re going to recover.
“There are farmers right now who are scratching their heads, wondering what they’re going to do this year,” Thompson told reporters.
This relief program won’t undo the damage left behind by drought, storms, or excessive rain — but it will provide a much-needed financial bridge to help producers keep farming, keep food on our tables, and keep rural communities strong.
If you’re a farmer in North Carolina who experienced crop loss this year, don’t wait — apply now and share this information with your neighbors, friends, and community. Together, we can help restore North Carolina’s agricultural heartbeat.
Helpful Links & Resources:
Disaster Assistance Hotline: 1-866-645-9403 (Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.)