U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Stephen Alexander Vaden visited North Carolina today to meet with agricultural leaders and producers, announcing a new $221.2 million disaster assistance package to help farmers recover from the impacts of Hurricane Helene. The funding, provided through a block grant agreement between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS), will support eligible farmers across the state.
The program will cover infrastructure and timber losses, market disruptions, and eligible future year revenue losses. This funding is part of the $30 billion disaster relief effort under the American Relief Act of 2025, with USDA coordinating similar block grants in 14 states to address state-specific recovery needs.
“Farmers and ranchers in North Carolina and across the Southeast have faced devastating losses,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. “President Trump has made it clear that our farmers will not be left behind. These funds will help ensure they have the resources to recover and continue producing the safest and most abundant food supply in the world.”
Deputy Secretary Vaden emphasized USDA’s commitment to swift action, noting: “By signing this block grant with North Carolina, we are providing farmers with the tools to rebuild stronger after Hurricane Helene. Under President Trump’s leadership, we are cutting red tape and delivering relief directly to the people who need it most.”
North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler welcomed the assistance, calling it “a lifeline” for farmers, particularly in western North Carolina where agricultural losses in 2024 were severe. “This support is critical not only for farmers but for everyone who depends on the food and fiber they produce,” he said.
The USDA-NCDA&CS grant agreement ensures coverage for qualifying losses not addressed by other disaster programs. Additional program details will be released by NCDA&CS in the coming weeks.
