North Raleigh Today

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler has expressed gratitude to the state legislature and governor for initiating a disaster assistance program aimed at aiding North Carolina farmers affected by the challenging 2024 farming season. The approved package includes $311 million in relief funds, with $200 million allocated for Western North Carolina and $111 million designated for other parts of the state.

Troxler stated, “I want to thank the members of the legislature for approving the start of an ag disaster assistance program to help farmers statewide recover from the disastrous 2024 farm season in North Carolina. And, I thank the governor for quickly signing this important bill.”

The Department of Agriculture is currently developing a framework to distribute these funds efficiently. Troxler indicated that this initiative would resemble past efforts, such as those following Hurricane Florence in 2018.

“I am especially grateful for the timing of this assistance because it will help farmers be able to put crops in the ground this season, something that many farmers were not sure could happen,” he added.

Additionally, Troxler mentioned ongoing collaboration with lawmakers on future agricultural aid and pursuing federal support through a USDA block grant. He said, “We will continue to work with the legislature on additional needs, as the bill noted the intent to consider more ag disaster assistance in the future. We are also seeking funding through a federal block grant through USDA.”