Old North News

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler expressed gratitude towards the legislature and governor for approving a new agricultural disaster assistance program. This initiative aims to support farmers across North Carolina in recovering from the challenging 2024 farm season.

Troxler stated, “I want to thank the members of the legislature for approving the start of an ag disaster assistance program to help farmers statewide recover from the disastrous 2024 farm season in North Carolina. And, I thank the governor for quickly signing this important bill.”

The program will distribute $200 million to farmers in Western North Carolina and $111 million throughout the rest of the state. Troxler mentioned that they are working swiftly to establish a framework similar to what was used during relief efforts following Hurricane Florence in 2018.

He emphasized the importance of timely assistance, saying, “I am especially grateful for the timing of this assistance because it will help farmers be able to put crops in the ground this season, something that many farmers were not sure could happen.”

Troxler also highlighted ongoing collaboration with legislators regarding future needs and mentioned efforts to secure additional funding through a federal block grant via USDA.