USDA Announces $38.1M in Grants for Hurricane Helene Farm Losses in Tennessee
United States Department of Agriculture Funds Announced for Tennessee Agricultural Losses
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced $38.1 million in grants to cover agricultural losses caused by Hurricane Helene in Tennessee.
Eligible Counties and Producers
According to the announcement, eligible producers must reside in specific Tennessee counties identified in Governor Lee’s Expedited Major Disaster Declaration. These counties are Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi, and Washington. Landowners in these counties will have the opportunity to apply for block grants, provided they meet the required criteria.
Categories of Agricultural Losses Covered
The $38.1 million in grants will address agricultural losses that fall under four defined categories. Infrastructure Loss includes damage to physical structures and equipment used in agricultural operations. Future Economic Loss covers long-term production recovery needs resulting from Hurricane Helene. Market Loss applies to lost sales that occurred due to market disruption. Farm Production Loss covers the loss of crops.
Application Process and Guidance
Landowners and producers in the eligible counties will be able to apply for the block grants. Application details and guidance will be made available in the coming weeks on the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) website and its social media pages. The information will outline how producers can submit applications and what criteria they must meet to qualify for assistance under the program.
Confirmed Outcome of the Announcement
The confirmed outcome of the federal action is the allocation of $38.1 million specifically designated to cover agricultural losses in Tennessee linked to Hurricane Helene. The funding is structured as block grants for eligible landowners and producers in Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi, and Washington counties. The grants will support recovery efforts across infrastructure, future economic impacts, market disruptions, and crop production losses.