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Hurricane Helene Hits Small Farms in Western North Carolina

Aerial view of flooded farmland in Western North Carolina post-Hurricane Helene

News Summary

Hurricane Helene has severely impacted small farms in Western North Carolina, leading to extensive physical damage and financial losses. A report shows 86% of farms in the area reported damage, with significant cleanup costs and lost sales expected to continue into the next year. Farmers face challenges from contaminated soil and ongoing recovery efforts while collaborating with local communities and agencies for support.

Asheville – Hurricane Helene has left a lasting impact on small farms and the local food economy in Western North Carolina, according to a recent report by the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project. The storm, which swept through the region, caused significant physical damage and financial losses to the agricultural sector, affecting nearly every small farm in the area.

Data from the report reveals that 86% of farms experienced some level of physical damage due to the hurricane. Notably, nearly 70% of farms reported damage to their land or waterways, which are critical for sustaining crop growth and livestock health. The severity of the physical damage varied across farms, but none reported damages exceeding 25% of their total operations, suggesting that while the hurricane was destructive, significant portions of some farms remained operational.

Farms that did suffer physical damages faced an average cleanup and recovery cost of $40,000. Approximately 62% of farms indicated they experienced lost sales in 2024 due to product loss caused by the storm. This situation is compounded by the expectation that 39% of these farms will miss out on sales in 2025, primarily as a result of ongoing rebuilding efforts. Market dynamics were significantly affected, with 60% of farms noting they lost sales in 2024 due to closures of market outlets, a trend that is anticipated to continue for 28% of these farms into the next year.

The average total losses per farm amount to approximately $30,000 for 2024 and an anticipated $28,000 for 2025, equating to an alarming 88% of the average farm’s gross annual sales. For instance, the Lee family of Lee’s One Fortune Farm reported a staggering loss of $60,000 from produce due to severe flooding. Similarly, the Tierra Fértil Cooperative encountered extensive losses, with some fields inundated under 20 feet of water, destroying crops entirely.

The storm has raised critical concerns regarding the safety of crops as many farms have been left with contaminated soil and toxic sludge, increasing the risk of pathogens from floodwaters affecting future harvests. The situation has led to a burgeoning sense of resilience within the agricultural community, as farmers engage in cleanup operations, resource sharing, and mutual aid to navigate the recovery process.

Recovery efforts have included adopting strategies such as cover cropping and soil testing to ensure long-term soil health and recovery after the flooding. The economic ramifications of Helene have placed financial recovery at the forefront of priorities for affected farms. Collaboration with local communities and the potential for assistance from state and federal agencies are crucial components of the recovery strategy.

The USDA has also reported widespread agricultural losses across the region, affecting major commodities such as apples, tomatoes, dairy products, and beef cattle due to the extreme flooding conditions. In response to the disaster, corporate donations have been made, including substantial contributions from companies like Nestlé and Smithfield Foods, which have provided meals and essential supplies to the impacted areas.

Additionally, many farmers have stepped up to use agricultural drones to facilitate food and supply deliveries, aiding in local recovery efforts. This unexpected sense of solidarity among farmers illustrates their resourcefulness and commitment to supporting each other throughout the disaster recovery process, highlighting the interconnectedness of the farming community in the face of such challenges.