On the six-month anniversary of Hurricane Helene, North Carolina leaders are urging federal support to aid farmers affected by the storm. Governor Josh Stein and Commissioner of Agriculture Steve Troxler have sent a request to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, seeking approval for a block grant aimed at aiding recovery efforts for farmers in Western North Carolina.
“Agriculture plays a crucial role in the region’s economy, and the farmers of western North Carolina have always demonstrated resilience,” said Governor Josh Stein. “However, Hurricane Helene’s catastrophic impact has left them in a difficult position, with staggering losses they will not recoup without external assistance.”
“The damage to farms from Hurricane Helene is almost unimaginable, and it is going to take a lot to put them back together,” stated Commissioner Steve Troxler. “We will need funds to help with that recovery. We hope USDA will come through with block grant funding to do the things we know are going to be needed.”
The request is for a block grant from the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2025. Discussions for fund allocation have started, with an emphasis on the importance of prompt approval for aiding farmers in returning to sustainable production levels.
Recently, Governor Stein signed the Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 – Part 1, allocating $200 million to assist North Carolina farmers with crop losses and infrastructure damage from the hurricane. He continues to push for more funding to help in infrastructure repair and land debris removal.
Click here to read Governor Stein and Commissioner Troxler’s letter.
