Hurricane Helene
FEMA Disaster SBA Meeting RECAP
Key takeaways - Please report your loss! Here is the web address: https://www.farmers.gov/protection-recovery/hurricane#reporting-losses . If you have already been told no, take heart because no doesn't necessarily mean no. We learned that this is all very fluid and changing every day. Even if applications are denied at first, the answer may change. Take good pictures, document, and hang on to receipts.
Be mindful of scams! If you find an application online, make sure you only apply to ".GOV" sites. If you get an email, call local government agencies to make sure the claims are legitimate.
1. Use this disaster tool- answer questions to lead you to the right links https://www.farmers.gov/protection-recovery/disaster-tool
2. Tree Assistance Program: File a program application with your Service Center within 90 days. See attached!
3. Non-insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program: File notice of loss with your Service Center within 15 days, except for hand-harvested crops, which should be filed within 72 hours. NAP forage producers with the intended use of grazing who elect to use independent assessments or other approved alternative loss percentage methods to establish their loss are no longer required to file Notice of Loss with FSA. https://www.farmers.gov/protection-recovery/hurricane#reporting-losses
4. Crop Insurance: Contact your agent within 72 hours of discovering damage and follow up in writing within 15 days. Document and take pictures!!!!!!!
5. PLEASE fill out this survey for WNC communities. The more data we collect the better chances everyone will have of receiving aid. Here is the link: Grant Survey
6. HENDERSON COUNTY - Please fill out this survey for NC State Extension. Again, the more data we collect, the better chances everyone will have of receiving aid. Here is the link: Survey - Google Form OR Survey - PDF
Disaster Assistance Programs
USDA
USDA offers a variety of programs to help farmers, ranchers, communities, and businesses that have been hard hit by natural disaster events.
Follow the website link below to access a full list of FSA Disaster Assistance Programs
www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/disaster-assistance-program
Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) and Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP)Extended ECP and EFRP signup that begins Oct. 15, 2024, and runs through June 1, 2025, in states affected by Hurricane Helene. Waiver of onsite inspection requirement for non-engineering practices for ECP and EFRP. Executed Emergency Response (ER-850) authorization of emergency National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) circumstances to expedite FSA approval of practices involving surface debris removal, fence restoration, and non-ground disturbing activities.
This is the program that is for field repair and fence repair. Be sure to take pictures of your damages and try to date stamp the picture.There have been waivers enacted for beginning cleanup for debris removal and fencing. If you will be grading or filling land that involves disturbance of the soil you may want to call the office first. There is a long signup period so no need for anyone to have to rush in.
- Kelly Spring
Henderson-Polk-Transylvania FSA Office
61 Triple Springs Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28792
828-693-1406 ext. 2
NC State University and N.C. A&T State University work in tandem, along with federal, state and local governments, to form a strategic partnership called N.C. Cooperative Extension.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
N.C. Cooperative Extension - Henderson County Center, 100 Jackson Park Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792, United States
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NCDA&CS Emergency Programs - Recovery:
https://www.ncagr.gov/emergency-programs/recover
NCDA&CS Emergency Programs - Disaster Information:
https://www.ncagr.gov/emergency-programs/disaster-information
NCDA&CS Response Hotline: 1-866-645-9403
2024 Hurricane Helene Livestock Assistance Form:
Many herds and homes in WNC have been hit hard by Hurricane Helene. If you are able to assist livestock producers through housing animals or providing feed/supplies, please complete this form. The answers on this form will be shared with NC Cooperative Extension offices and NC Department of Ag & Consumer Services.
NC Dept. of Public Safety:
The purpose of this page is to provide information and resources to North Carolina residents and visitors who were impacted by Hurricane Helene. Additional information will be posted as it becomes available.
FEMA assistance: 1-800-621-3362 or go to www.disasterassistance.gov
N.C. Farmer/Agribusiness Product Registration:
Anyone needing assistance in moving food product, may consider adding their farm and products to this list and we will continue our efforts to reach out to retailers and food hubs. This is a list for wholesalers to post products where schools, food banks, ect. can find local food. Sellers do not have to be GAP certified or Organic certified to be listed.
Companies must register their business first and then they receive a link to register product. We will work to distribute this more aggressively with a focus on our WNC communities.
https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/marketing/nc-products-directory
Troxler and Congressmen talk about Hurricane Helene damage and needs:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YFqKp1GUHM