Virginia launches farm recovery block grant program for producers impacted by Hurricane Helene
Richmond, Virginia – Governor Glenn Youngkin announced a new recovery initiative for Virginia’s agricultural and forestry communities with the launch of the Virginia Farm Recovery Block Grant Program. The program, supported by block-grant funding from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is designed to assist farmers and forestland owners who suffered damage or commodity losses during Hurricane Helene in September 2024.
Targeted Support for Farmers and Timber Owners
Governor Youngkin emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Hurricane Helene left a lasting impact on Virginia’s agricultural and forestry communities, especially in Southwest and Southside, damaging infrastructure, destroying crops, and threatening the livelihoods of families, farms, and forestry operations across the region. This new recovery block grant program ensures that Virginians who haven’t qualified for other disaster relief finally have access to targeted support. My administration is committed to standing with our producers, helping them recover, rebuild, and continue driving the strength and resilience of Virginia’s rural economy.”
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) will oversee the program once USDA officially allocates funding and approves the state work plan. Eligible producers will receive direct payments to offset losses not covered by other federal disaster relief programs.
Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matthew Lohr added, “We look forward to this USDA partnership, as this block grant funding relief will help many Southwest Virginia agricultural and forest producers recover and rebuild from Hurricane Helene’s devastation.”
Localities Eligible for Assistance
According to VDACS, the program will cover 27 designated localities, including Bedford, Buchanan, Carroll, Floyd, Giles, Montgomery, Pulaski, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise, and Wythe counties, among others, as well as the independent cities of Bristol, Covington, Danville, Galax, Norton, and Radford.
The block-grant funding is designed for both agricultural and forestry producers, including those with infrastructure damage, crop losses, aquaculture damages, or timber destruction.
Application Preparation and Documentation
Farmers and forestland owners are urged to begin preparing the necessary documentation ahead of the application window. Required documents include:
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W-9 Form and Federal Tax ID information
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Farm Service Agency (FSA) Farm Number and FSA 578 Form
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Schedule F or similar tax documents showing farming income
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Tax Parcel ID and Parcel Map
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Photographic evidence of damage to farm structures, aquaculture infrastructure, or timberland
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Proof of insurance payments, adjustment reports, or invoices for repair costs
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Documentation of crop destruction due to market loss
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Ownership records of at least 10 contiguous acres of timberland with moderate to severe storm damage
Producers seeking funds for market loss, aquaculture, or other categories must also agree to maintain USDA Risk Management coverage for two crop years.
Access and Assistance for Applicants
VDACS is working with the Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) and the Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) to ensure eligible producers are informed and supported during the application period. For applicants without reliable internet access, local VCE offices will provide computer access and technical assistance.
The online application portal will be made available at VDACS Farm Recovery Block Grant Program. Once the USDA approves the state’s workplan, VDACS will launch a statewide campaign to announce the registration and application periods.
Looking Ahead
This new grant program is a crucial step in rebuilding Virginia’s rural economy after the devastation of Hurricane Helene. With over $121 million in funding allocated, the program reflects Virginia’s commitment to ensuring its agricultural and forestry communities remain resilient and capable of thriving despite natural disasters.
Current and updated information on the program will continue to be provided through the VDACS website.
