The North Carolina General Assembly has extended the deadline for farmers to apply for the Agricultural Disaster Crop Loss Program to May 19. This extension applies to those who experienced crop losses in 2024 due to Hurricane Helene, Tropical Storm Debby, drought, and other weather-related conditions.
Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler stated, “Interest in this nearly $311 million ag disaster assistance program has been understandably strong given the nearly $5 billion in agricultural losses farmers sustained in 2024.” He emphasized that extending the deadline would ensure more farmers have the opportunity to sign up.
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is managing this program as part of a larger disaster relief package totaling over $524 million approved by the state legislature. Within this package, $200 million is designated for farmers in Western North Carolina, with an additional $100 million allocated for crop losses throughout the rest of the state. The program covers all 100 counties.
Eligible farmers can submit their applications online at www.ncagr.gov. They must have a FSA Form 578 on file with the USDA Farm Service Agency or provide an alternate form if necessary, along with a completed sub W-9. Local county extension offices are available to assist producers without internet access.
The NCDA&CS operates a disaster assistance hotline at 1-866-645-9403, available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., to answer questions.
Eligibility criteria include having experienced verifiable losses of agriculture or aquaculture commodities due to disasters in 2024, including infrastructure and equipment damage from Hurricane Helene. Farms must be located in affected areas, and commodities should have been planted or raised before the date of disaster declarations.
A variety of commodities are covered under this program, including specialty crops and tobacco. Farmers can find a full list online. Growers of nursery crops, fruit-bearing trees and bushes, and certain horticultural crops may request an extension until July 3 by emailing agdisaster@ncagr.gov by May 19.
For further details and frequently asked questions, visit www.ncagr.gov/agdisaster or contact the NCDA&CS disaster assistance hotline.
