WNC Farms’ disaster relief event provides recovery resources following Tropical Storm Helene

ASHEVILLE – Western North Carolina’s agriculture industry and federal, state and local nonprofit agriculture agencies met one month after Tropical Storm Helene to discuss the next steps toward recovery.

On Oct. 29, WNC farmers filled the White Horse event venue in Black Mountain looking for short- and long-term help and answers during a joint disaster response information meeting.

Karen McSwain, associate executive director of the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association, said the mission was to explore how farmers can move forward after suffering significant damage and losses during the historic Sept. 27 storm.

McSwain said nearly 13,000 farms are in WNC, representing 30% of North Carolina farms.

She said the widespread impact of the agricultural community extends to the region’s tourism sector.

“We have many farmers who go to farmers markets and provide our community with fresh, local produce. Our agritourism industry in Western North Carolina depends on our farmers because many people come here because we are known for our farm-to-table restaurants,” said McSwain.

She said service organizations and programs that provide food to food-insecure communities rely on regional farmers for fresh, healthy ingredients, and are among those affected.

The Equal Plates Project, an Asheville-based nonprofit, previously told the Citizen Times that it raises funds from more than 70 local farms for regular services throughout the year.

As of October 21, the nonprofit has distributed more than 13,295 chef-prepared meals and spent more than $15,000 at local small farms during the Post-Helene Free Meal Distribution.

Still, McSwain says farms are facing revenue losses as restaurant partners and other vendors enter and exit contracts, and some have questioned the quality of food from storm-affected crops.

“The damage they’ve suffered has come from flooding from rivers flooding their land and there’s a lot of concern about what was in those rivers, including flooding from standing water,” McSwain said.

WNC farm outreach and next steps

The Farm Service Agency, National Resources Conservation Service, Buncombe County Soil and Water Conservation District, WNC Communities, Organic Growers School, and other agencies and nonprofits have addressed these and other concerns.

The representatives shared resources and advice for financing, navigating the recovery process, cleaning and rebuilding farms, applying for grants and loans, changing business models and establishing food safety guidelines.

Michael Rayburn, co-owner of Rayburn Farms in Barnardsville and urban agriculture agent for Buncombe County Cooperative Extension, was with his colleagues from North Carolina State University and the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University-founded initiative. They provided information on topics such as sourcing cover crop seeds, finding financing, mental health resources, soil and water testing, and creating long-term recovery plans.

Rayburn said the agency wanted to get feedback from affected farmers about their losses and needs.

“Whether that helps set them up financially during this recovery period, or gives them the knowledge of how to restore their fields, when to plant and when not to plant – we advise everyone not to grow or plant any crops for 60 days . flooded areas and should not harvest crops that have been submerged,” he said.

Rayburn said farmers are advised not to allow livestock into flooded pastures for 60 days in case of biological or chemical contamination.

Aid and resources for disaster relief at WNC farms

The groups provided assistance on issues such as dealing with trees that fell during the storm and the damage they caused to infrastructure, high tunnel greenhouses and equipment.

Other reports include damage to conservation infrastructure such as grassy waterways, culverts, bridges and other systems used to manage water on their farms.

Funds were mobilized to ensure water quality for irrigation and soil, restore land and fences, clear debris and sediment deposits, and replace lost topsoil.

Farmers were invited to ask questions and have one-on-one conversations after the presentation.

David Smiley, program director of the local food campaign for the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project, said he wanted to meet people who had not yet contacted the nonprofit farmer advocacy group and provide education about available resources and technical assistance for navigating through applications and access to professional services.

Smiley informed attendees about ASAP’s grants and services, such as the Appalachian Grown Immediate Need Grant, which provides up to $500 to eligible farmers for expenses such as cleanup, replanting, repairs or other costs not covered by insurance or other programs .

“If you’re not in this world of agricultural resources, it’s hard to know what’s out there, so get people to sit down with someone or get on the phone with someone and spend some time learning about what they all have access to,” Smiley said. “There is a fair amount, but it is difficult to know what is there.”

Grants, loans, resources and other relief assistance for WNC farmers

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Tiana Kennell is the food and dining reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. She is a graduate of Michigan State University and spent many years pursuing arts, entertainment and hospitality in Louisiana. Email her at [email protected] or follow her on Instagram @PrincessOfPage.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: WNC farms seek help with cleanup and recovery from Tropical Storm Helene