Last Updated on February 15, 2022 11:56 am
Farmers in Watauga and Avery are among 11 counties in western North Carolina now eligible for help due to losses associated with Tropical Storm Fred.
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDACS) has announced the opening of the application period for the Agricultural Crop Loss Program. The program will cover losses of crops, feed, livestock, aquaculture and farm infrastructure for farmers in Avery, Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Madison, Mitchell, McDowell, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga and Yancey counties. The agricultural commodities must have been planted but not harvested, or for aquaculture commodities raised on or before, Aug. 17, 2021, according to NCDASC.
“Tropical Storm Fred did significant damage to many of our western counties. I am thankful that the General Assembly allocated $50 million to assist these farmers with losses incurred during this event,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “We encourage farmers to submit their application for assistance quickly to ensure they meet the April 15 deadline.”
The application and required forms can be downloaded from the NCDA&CS website at www.ncagr.gov. The deadline to apply is April 15. For questions about the program in general, call 866-747-9823. Applicants may also reach out to their local cooperative extension or Farm Service Agency offices for application support.
