Steve Troxler, Commissioner | North Carolina Department Of Agriculture & Consumer Services
Steve Troxler, Commissioner | North Carolina Department Of Agriculture & Consumer Services
The application period for disaster assistance related to crop losses in 2024 is now open, according to Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. The Agricultural Disaster Crop Loss Program, administered by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, is accepting applications until May 4. This initiative is part of a $524 million disaster package approved by the North Carolina General Assembly, which allocates nearly $311 million specifically for farmer relief.
Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler emphasized the program's importance. "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,” he said. The funding includes $200 million dedicated to farmers in Western N.C., with over $100 million set aside for crop losses elsewhere in the state. All 100 counties are covered.
To qualify, farmers must demonstrate verifiable losses of agricultural or aquaculture commodities due to disasters in 2024. The related farms should be in affected areas, with commodities planted before the disaster, as designated in the official declaration.
Farmers who qualify can submit applications online at www.ncagr.gov. Requirements include having a Form 578 with the USDA Farm Service Agency and a completed W-9. Local county extension offices can assist producers lacking internet access.
The NCDA&CS disaster assistance hotline is available at 1-866-645-9403, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The program covers a wide range of commodities, including specialty crops and tobacco. Troxler noted that deadline extensions to June 18 could be requested for growers of nursery crops, fruit-bearing trees, and certain horticultural crops.
“Farmers need to go online and apply. It should only take about 30 minutes per farm to enter information in the online form,” Troxler advised. He also urged spreading the word about the program to those without internet access or who may not be aware of it.
For further details, including frequently asked questions, the website www.ncagr.gov/agdisaster offers additional information, or farmers can call the NCDA&CS disaster assistance hotline.
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