North Wake News

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler has expressed gratitude to the state legislature and the governor for initiating an agricultural disaster assistance program in response to the challenges faced by farmers during the 2024 farm season in North Carolina. The program, which includes $311 million in aid, aims to support farmers statewide.

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 assistance will allocate $200 million specifically for farmers in Western North Carolina, with an additional $111 million distributed throughout other regions of the state. The framework for this initiative is expected to resemble previous relief efforts following Hurricane Florence and other tropical storms.

Troxler emphasized the importance of timely support: "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."

Future collaboration with legislators is anticipated as there may be further needs. Troxler noted that "the bill noted the intent to consider more ag disaster assistance in the future." Additionally, funding through a federal block grant via USDA is being pursued.