Six months after Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina, many farmers are still waiting for much-needed relief funds to arrive. The storm, which swept through the region last fall, caused an estimated $5 billion in agricultural damage statewide, leaving farmers struggling to rebuild their livelihoods.
Relief organizations working in the area say that the process of accessing state and federal aid has been slow and cumbersome. Many farmers face bureaucratic hurdles and lengthy application processes, delaying their ability to replant crops, repair damaged equipment, and restore their farms.
"The need is still great, and the frustration is mounting," said Sarah Miller, a spokesperson for the Western North Carolina Farmers Relief Fund. "Farmers are resilient, but they can't do it alone. We need to see a faster response from government agencies to get these funds into the hands of those who need them most."
The delays in funding are impacting not only individual farmers but also the local economy. Agriculture is a vital industry in Western North Carolina, and the prolonged recovery is affecting supply chains and driving up food prices. Local officials are urging state and federal leaders to expedite the release of disaster relief funds to support the region's agricultural community.
NC Farmers Still Await Relief Funds Six Months After Hurricane Helene
Western North Carolina farmers are struggling to recover six months after Hurricane Helene caused widespread damage. Relief organizations report that state and federal aid is arriving slowly. The storm inflicted nearly $5 billion in agricultural losses across the state. Farmers are facing challenges in replanting crops and repairing infrastructure without sufficient financial assistance.
Source: Read the original article at NBC