Emergency Conservation Program Cost-Share Aids Flooded Farms
An important pathway for flood relief has opened up through federal dollars. Disaster Funding has been approved through the Farm Service Agency under the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) for Buncombe County. The ECP provides emergency funding and technical assistance to farmers to rehabilitate farmland and conservation structures damaged by natural disasters. Learn more about the ECP Cost Share Program. Applications are now open for farms that were impacted by Tropical Storm Fred.
The ECP provides cost-share assistance for:
- EC1 – Removing Debris from Farmland
- EC2 – Grading, Shaping, Releveling, or Similar Measures
- EC3 – Restoring Permanent Fences
- EC4 – Restoring Conservation Structures (Example: Sod Waterways, Livestock Watering Tanks)
Farms may sign up for ECP funding through November 12, 2021. Producers should contact the Madison/Buncombe Farm Service Agency Office (828-649-2712 extension 2) if they are interested in the program.
WNC Communities Launches Flood Relief Grant Program
WNC Communities' has unveiled a new grant opportunity for area farms impacted by Tropical Storm Fred. The Immediate Disaster Needs for Farm Businesses Grant Program will target recovery for farms that experienced flood damages directly related to Tropical Storm Fred. These funds are meant to assist legitimate farm businesses with urgent needs that will directly impact the ability to get the farm business back in operation as soon as possible.
For the first round of funding, applications will be accepted from September 7 through September 30, 2021. Funds will be awarded on a rolling basis, prioritizing the most urgent needs first. Priority will be given to those in the hardest-hit region of Haywood, Buncombe, Henderson, and Transylvania Counties. Any farm with direct damages within Western North Carolina Communities’ 20 county service region may apply.
If interested in applying, farmers should first contact one of the following partner agencies to complete a brief pre-qualifying process. Partner Organizations include: WNC Communities, N.C. Cooperative Extension, Buncombe County Soil and Water, Haywood Soil and Water, NC Farm Bureau, Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP), WNC Livestock Exchange.
Following the pre-qualifying process, farms should complete the grant application. Western North Carolina Communities will be accepting hand delivered, emailed, faxed, and online applications. Applicants may apply online through an online form. Applications may also be downloaded.
For questions about this program: grants@wnccommunities.org
Learn more about Western North Carolina Communities.
