Applications open for crop loss disaster program

Farmers can now apply for financial aid under the Agriculture Crop Loss Disaster Program, Steve Troxler, Commissioner of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) announce on Tuesday. The program offers financial relief to farmers who suffered crop losses in 2024 due to Hurricane Helene, Tropical Storm Debby, drought, and other severe weather conditions.

“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,” said Troxler. “This funding is a lifeline as they look to restore their farms and livelihood.”

Several farmers have said that they would likely not be able to start the season without some form of disaster assistance, according to Troxler. Agriculture losses in 2024, including crop losses, infrastructure losses, and equipment losses, totaled almost $5 billion.

NCDA&CS is overseeing the statewide program as part of the Disaster Recovery Act of 2025-Part 1 (HB47), which exceeds $524 million and was recently passed by the General Assembly and signed into law by Gov. Josh Stein. Nearly $311 million was allocated specifically for farmers’ relief.

The funds allocated to the NCDA&CS for the Agricultural Disaster Crop Loss Program shall be distributed as follows: $200 million will be designated for verifiable losses resulting from Hurricane Helene in the affected area, and $100 million will be used for verifiable losses from any agricultural disaster in 2024, excluding Hurricane Helene. In addition, the Department shall utilize any remaining funds, as detailed in HB 47.

Eligible farmers must have experienced a verifiable loss of agricultural or aquaculture commodities due to an agricultural disaster in 2024. Additionally, the farm must be located in an area affected by the disaster. The commodities or aquaculture must have been planted or raised before the date of the disaster, as designated in the secretarial or presidential declaration for the county where the commodities are located, and the losses being claimed must be verifiable.

The program covers a variety of commodities, including specialty crops and tobacco. Growers are encouraged to review the complete list made available online.

“We know some farmers may not know the extent of damage to their crops yet,” Troxler said. “Growers of nursery crops, fruit-bearing trees and bushes, and certain horticultural crops may request a deadline extension to June 18. This extension must be requested in the online application that is due May 4.”

The General Assembly intends to revisit agricultural needs after reviewing congressional disaster funding.

“I can’t say how much I appreciate the legislature earmarking these timely funds in support ofe fathers and our local food supply,” concluded Troxler. “We remain strong in agriculture in this state; we’re a $111 billion industry…We must maintain our ability to feed ourselves, and farmers are the ones who make that happen. As the population continues to grow, we’re going to need all of our farmers focused on producing food and power to meet those demands. I’m hopeful these funds are going to be that shot in the arm for farmers and farms and build a bridge to the future.”

Farmers who are eligible for assistance can submit their online applications at www.ncagr.gov. They must have a Form 578 on file with the USDA Farm Service Agency and a completed W-9 to apply. Farmers without internet access can seek assistance from their local county extension offices.

For questions, the NCDA&CS disaster assistance hotline is available at 1-866-645-9403, Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 5 pm.

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