$221 million disaster relief grant signed to help Helene impacted farmers

FLETCHER, N.C. (WITN) - North Carolina farmers are eligible for a substantial grant due to Hurricane Helene damages.

Today, a $221 million grant was signed by Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler and USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Valden to help farmers with production losses from Helene last year.

The Department of Agriculture says infrastructure damage, market, future economic, and timber losses are covered by the NC Disaster Block Grant. 39 counties that received a Presidential Disaster Declaration will acquire the funds.

To receive aid, some farmers may have to sign with USDA Risk Management coverage for two crop years for market loss, future economic loss, plasticulture, and aquaculture claims, says the department.

“We are currently creating the program work plan and application