On March 19, 2025, through the Disaster Recovery Act of 2025- Part I, the North Carolina General Assembly established the Agricultural Disaster Crop Loss Program. This program is designed to be a one time assistance program for agricultural producers who suffered verifiable losses from any declared agricultural disaster in 2024, including producers impacted by Hurricane Helene, drought, Tropical Storm Debby and potential Cyclone 8.

Applicants must complete an electronic application to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) by May 4, 2025 to receive assistance through this program.  N.C. Cooperative Extension of Yancey County will be available to assist producers with application preparation and submission by appointment during regular business hours (Mon. thru Fri., 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM).

Yancey County agricultural producers that would like to schedule an appointment to receive assistance completing an application for the Agricultural Crop Loss Program, or that have questions about the program can contact David Davis (david_davis@ncsu.edu), Agriculture Extension Agent, or Adam McCurry (adam_mccurry@ncsu.edu), Agriculture Technician, by email or by calling the N.C. Cooperative Extension Yancey County Center at (828) 682-6186.

Who may apply

• A person who experienced a verifiable loss of agriculture or aquaculture commodities or farm infrastructure as a result of a Presidential or Secretarial declared disaster (including contiguous counties) in 2024.
• The farm is located in an affected area for the respective agricultural disaster.
• The commodity or aquaculture was planted or being raised before the date of the disaster set forth in the Presidential or Secretarial declaration for the county in which the agricultural or aquaculture commodities or farm infrastructure are located and for which verifiable losses are claimed.

Forms an Eligible Producer will Require to apply

• A 2024 FSA 578 Producer Print on file with the USDA Farm Service Agency for USDA reported crops.
• If you do not have a 2024 FSA 578 Producer Print, please contact your local FSA County at (828) 439-9727 to schedule a time to complete a 2024 crop report.
• Completed NC Sub W-9 for producer SSN/EIN.

How to Apply

1. Contact N.C. Cooperative Extension of Yancey County to schedule an appointment for assistance applying to the N.C. Agricultural Crop Loss Program.  Make sure to bring needed forms with you to your appointment.
2. Obtain a copy of Form 578 Producer Print "2024 crop report" from your local FSA office.  Producers that did not complete a Form 578 with USDA-FSA at the beginning of the 2024 growing season should still contact USDA-FSA for assistance.  Submission of Form 578 is required for this program.
3. Complete the electronic application form using the portal at https://fs4.formsite.com/QopHZM/ztcf5ab2qc/login by May 4. During the application period, producers with nursery crops, fruit-bearing trees/bushes, and specialty crops where the survival level is not immediately known may extend their application completion deadline another 45 days to June 18, 2025; however, producers must begin completing the application form prior to May 4, 2025.  Extension staff can assist you with completing the application at your scheduled appointment.
4. Complete IRS Form NC Sub W-9, which is available online.  Completing this form will require each producer to have access to their taxpayer SSN/EIN.   N.C. Cooperative Extension of Yancey County can assist you in obtaining and completing this form.

How Payments Are Calculated

Payment calculations will be based on information from the U.S. Department of Agriculture - Farm Service Agency 578 Producer print or 2024 FSA crop report, average county yield data and state price averages provided by USDA – National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). An IRS Form 1099 for miscellaneous income will be issued to your business entity for tax year 2025 for this payment.

Who to contact with questions

N.C. Cooperative Extension of Yancey County is available to assist producers with applying to this program.  Specific questions about the Agricultural Crop Loss Program can also be submitted via email to agdisaster@ncagr.gov at any time.  NCDA&CS has also activated the N.C.  Disaster Assistance Hotline which can be reached by calling 1-866-645-9403, during operational hours (8:00 am – 5:00 pm; Monday – Friday). Yancey County Cooperative Extension can also provide assistance.