North Carolina farmers dealing with a devastating season of lost crops can now apply for help.
Starting Tuesday, applications opened for the Agricultural Disaster Crop Loss Program.
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The program is part of a disaster package approved by the North Carolina General Assembly. The package includes $311 million designated for relief for farmers.
Jackie Thompson has been growing crops in eastern North Carolina for most of his life.
"We rent about 1,200 acres of open land," Thompson said.
His farm sits on the Wake-Franklin County line, where he grows everything from Tobacco to Canola.
He calls it one of his toughest years yet after drought and excessive rain led to crop loss.
"There are farmers right now who are scratching their heads, wondering what they're going to do this year," Thompson said.
Like many, he is looking at lawmakers for help.
"There needs to be some help of some sort, from the federal government, from the state government, or whatever it comes from, to help get us back on our feet, back on the ground," Thompson said.
At a press conference Tuesday, Agricultural Commissioner Steve Troxler emphasized the importance of the funding.
"Our farmers are reeling from a disastrous 2024 season, so we are moving quickly to get this program up and running to get money flowing to them. This funding is a lifeline as they look to restore their farms and livelihood," Troxler said. "A total of $200 million is earmarked for farmers in Western N.C., and over $100 million has been approved for crop losses across the remainder of the state. All 100 counties are included in the coverage."
Troxler said that everyone would feel the impact of the devastating season without this relief.
"If we don't put farmers back in business, then the food supply goes away," he said.
Eligible farmers can access and submit the online application at www.ncagr.gov.