USDA Block Grant Disaster Relief

In September, Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler and USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden signed a $221 million federal block grant agreement that targets aid to North Carolina farmers who sustained losses and damages from Hurricane Helene in 2024. This Block Grant is for production losses not covered by USDA programs or crop insurance. The program will cover four categories of eligible losses: infrastructure damage, market losses, future economic losses, and timber losses. It applies to the 39 counties that received a Presidential Disaster Declaration for Hurricane Helene.

• Visit this link for details about the USDA Block Grant
• Visit this link to be taken directly to the application for Farm Structures, Roads, Bridges, and Culverts

Henderson County Soil & Water is here to help farmers apply for the USDA Block Grant. Funding is available for repairs to farm structures, roads, bridges, and culverts. Applications are open from March 30 through May 15, and our team can work with you to make the process as simple and straightforward as possible.

If you would like in-person assistance with completing your application, please schedule an appointment time at this link: https://app.simplymeet.me/hcswcd/blockgrantapp^*

For specific questions about the USDA Block Grant, contact the NCDA&CS Ag Disaster Program Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 866-747-9823 or email at agdisaster@ncagr.gov at any time.

_{*Appointment requests are tentative until confirmed by a staff member in person, through email, or over the phone. Every effort will be made to honor appointment requests.}