North Carolina just announced that the NC Agricultural Disaster Crop Loss Program application is now open. This is the state funding program for Helene to cover farmers who have uninsured crop losses and those beyond what FSA may have covered (including damage to farm roads, culverts, etc). The application and other info about this program can be found here: http://www.ncagr.gov/agdisaster  You will need to need to create an account and log in to complete the application here: https://fs4.formsite.com/QopHZM/ztcf5ab2qc/login

As part of the application, you will need the following, and it is recommended to have these 'ready to go' before you fill out the application:

* For verification of Crop Loss, applicants need to attach a copy of their FSA 578 form from 2024. FSA can email this to you or you can request one be printed for pick-up. An electronic copy of it will need to be attached to your application. Extension can help you with attaching the electronic copy. You can contact Julia or Haley at the Watauga FSA office for your 578.
* Substitute NC W-9 form (a blank one is attached to this email). On the sub-W9, in section 13 check "other" and write or type Farmer below it. In order to receive payment, you will need to use the SSN or TIN associated with your schedule F. If you have properties/impacted farms in 2 counties, you will need to complete 2 applications.
* Any insurance adjustor's report and/or estimates, receipts, or other documentation of damage (including pictures) to farm infrastructure (ie. greenhouses, barns, farm equipment, roads, bridges, culverts, or other structures).
*A map/physical direction to the impacted property/properties. (This will likely also need to be digital. Again, Extension is available to help with this.)

Watauga Cooperative Extension will be hosting a help session on May 1^st from 4pm-7pm at the Ag Conference Center if you need help attaching documents, completing, and/or submitting your application. If you need assistance, we recommend starting the application ahead of time and compiling the required documents.

If you have NOT completed a 2024 Crop Report (FSA 578) with FSA, please make an appointment with Julia or Haley at the FSA office in Boone as soon as possible. Their # is 828.264.3850.  The application deadline is midnight, May 4. If you do not have a submitted application by then, you will not qualify.