The North Carolina General Assembly has extended the deadline for farmers to apply for the Agricultural Disaster Crop Loss Program for 2024 losses to May 19. This program is aimed at assisting farmers who experienced crop losses due to Hurricane Helene, Tropical Storm Debby, drought, and other weather-related conditions in 2024.
Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler noted the high interest in the nearly $311 million disaster assistance program, stating, “Interest in this nearly $311 million ag disaster assistance program has been understandably strong given the nearly $5 billion in agricultural losses farmers sustained in 2024.” He emphasized the importance of giving farmers additional time to sign up, ensuring that all interested parties have the opportunity to apply.
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) is managing this statewide initiative as part of a broader $524 million disaster package approved by the state legislature. Of this amount, $200 million is allocated specifically for farmers in Western North Carolina, with over $100 million designated for crop losses across other parts of the state. The coverage includes all 100 counties.
Farmers can submit their applications online at www.ncagr.gov and must have an FSA Form 578 on file with the USDA Farm Service Agency or provide an alternate form if necessary. Local county extension offices are available to assist producers without internet access.
Additionally, NCDA&CS offers a disaster assistance hotline at 1-866-645-9403, operational Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., to address any inquiries.
Eligibility criteria include having verifiable agricultural or aquaculture commodity losses due to disasters in 2024, including infrastructure and equipment damages caused by Hurricane Helene. The farm must be located in a disaster-affected area, and commodities should have been planted or raised before the designated disaster date as per Secretarial or Presidential declarations.
The program covers various commodities such as specialty crops and tobacco. Growers are encouraged to review the full list online. Those cultivating nursery crops, fruit-bearing trees and bushes, and certain horticultural crops may request an extension until July 3 by emailing agdisaster@ncagr.gov by May 19.
For further details and frequently asked questions, visit www.ncagr.gov/agdisaster or contact the NCDA&CS disaster assistance hotline.
