Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler announced the opening of the application period for the Agricultural Disaster Crop Loss Program. This initiative, aimed at aiding farmers who suffered crop losses in 2024 due to Hurricane Helene, Tropical Storm Debby, drought, and other adverse weather conditions, will accept online applications until May 4.
The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is overseeing the program as part of a disaster relief package exceeding $524 million approved by the state’s General Assembly. Out of this, nearly $311 million is earmarked for farmer relief.
“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. This funding is a lifeline as they look to restore their farms and livelihood,” stated Commissioner Troxler. He detailed that $200 million is designated for Western North Carolina farmers, with over $100 million allocated to address crop losses in other parts of the state. All 100 counties are included in this coverage.
Eligibility criteria stipulate that farmers must verify losses of agricultural or aquaculture commodities due to agricultural disasters in 2024. The farm must be in a disaster-affected area, and the commodities or aquaculture must have been planted or raised before the disaster declaration date for the respective county.
Interested farmers can submit their applications through the website www.ncagr.gov and are required to have Form 578 filed with the USDA Farm Service Agency and a completed W-9. County extension offices will assist those without internet access.
The NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services is also offering support through its disaster assistance hotline at 1-866-645-9403, available Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The program covers a wide array of commodities, including specialty crops and tobacco, and a complete list is 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 has expressed plans to reassess agricultural needs after reviewing Congressional disaster funding. Troxler encourages farmers to apply online, estimating the process takes around 30 minutes per farm, and urges them to inform others who might not have internet access or are unaware of the program.
For further details, including frequently asked questions, visit www.ncagr.gov/agdisaster or contact the NCDA&CS disaster assistance hotline.
