Helene Aftermath: WNC Farm Assistance and Information
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Collapse ▲Tremendous efforts are ongoing to bring assistance, donations, and critical supplies to Buncombe County and the larger WNC region devastated by Hurricane Helene. While many are still without consistent cell and internet capabilities, if you have access, we’d like to share these important updates, knowing that many more resources will become available in the coming weeks.
Buncombe County Cooperative Extension staff are on the ground serving the immediate needs in our county. While our office is closed, phone calls are being directed to the Rutherford County Cooperative Extension Center. Our website and social media accounts will be updated as connectivity allows, and our Extension partners further East will help update information to our website.
First steps
Farm producers with crops, meats, livestock, and value-added products impacted by the storm: it is CRITICALLY important that you document every level of damage to your farm. Take photographs and videos (noting date/time) and include detailed notes. This information will need to be reported to the local USDA Service Center, many of which are also closed at this time. A regional hub has been set up for the time being in Asheboro. More details on that below.
If it is possible, delay permanent repairs and field restorations until authorized by the Farm Service Agency (FSA). We know this is a difficult ask, and the USDA Service Center can better direct you on specific repairs that may need to be delayed.
An online form has been set up to help assess livestock needs.The 2024 Hurricane Helene Livestock Assistance Form assists livestock producers through housing animals or providing feed/supplies. The responses on this form will be shared with N.C. Cooperative Extension offices and NC Department of Ag & Consumer Services.
Reporting Losses
USDA Service Centers are a hub for disaster assistance for farmers. As of October 4, we can report that the nearest center that can handle calls is located in Asheboro, and their staff has been prepared to be a central hub for the time being.We expect to have teams rotating at office closer to WNC as accessibility improves. The phone number for the Asheboro USDA Service Center is: 336-629-4449 ext.4
The NC Department of Agriculture/Consumer Services offers assistance online and by phone. USDA websites for recovery efforts and disaster reports are consolidated through the link below:
NCDA&CS Emergency Programs – Recovery: ncagr.gov/
NCDA&CS Response Hotline: 1-866-645-9403
FEMA Disaster Assistance: Home | disasterassistance.gov
Phone: 800-621-3362
After a hurricane, DisasterAssistance.gov helps you find and apply for various forms of disaster assistance. You can check the status of your application, locate nearby FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers, and access resources for housing and food assistance. Be aware that some producers are experiencing initial denials, and if that occurs you will have the opportunity to appeal. You may also be directed to the Small Business Administration as an alternate source for loans for homeowners and businesses affected by the disaster.
For additional information please see these posts: