Key Takeaways
- USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden signed a block grant with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS).
- The grant provides $221.2 million in federal assistance for recovery after Hurricane Helene.
- Funding will cover infrastructure, timber, market, and future year revenue losses.
- The support is part of a broader $30 billion disaster assistance program authorized by the American Relief Act, 2025.
- USDA is working with 14 states to implement tailored block grants for recovery needs.
USDA Signs Agreement With North Carolina
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced additional assistance to help North Carolina producers recover from Hurricane Helene. During a visit to the state, Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden signed a block grant agreement with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS).
The agreement provides $221.2 million in federal funding to cover agricultural recovery needs, including infrastructure and timber damage, market losses, and anticipated future year revenue losses.
This support is part of the $30 billion disaster relief effort established under the American Relief Act, 2025. USDA is coordinating with 14 states, including North Carolina, to implement state-specific block grants designed to address unique recovery needs.
Leadership Perspectives
Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins emphasized the urgency of delivering aid: “America’s farmers and ranchers across the Southeast and in North Carolina have been hit hard and suffered significant economic losses during 2024. USDA has worked closely with the State of North Carolina to ensure those impacted have the relief they need.”
Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden highlighted the partnership with the state: “By signing this block grant with North Carolina, USDA is ensuring that producers have the resources to rebuild stronger after Hurricane Helene and keep producing the food and fuel our nation depends on.”
North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler welcomed the funding: “This $221.2 million federal disaster assistance block grant for agricultural damage due to Hurricane Helene is welcomed news to North Carolina farmers in western North Carolina who have been holding on in the aftermath of massive ag losses in 2024.”
USDA Program Implementation
The USDA and NCDA&CS have finalized the agreement to cover qualifying losses not already addressed by other USDA disaster programs. Farmers and producers in the state will be able to access further details through NCDA&CS as program information becomes available.
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