RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services activated its hotline Saturday, Sept. 28, to connect farmers with resources that can assist with damage and other agricultural emergencies related to the storm. The toll-free number is 1-866-645-9403. A live operator will be available on the hotline between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

“While we don’t yet know the full extent of the damage to crops, nurseries, and infrastructure in Western North Carolina, we know that the affects from Tropical Storm Helene have been devastating,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “In addition to our hotline, I encourage those who may need assistance to reach out to your local extension agents and county emergency management officials as our Emergency Programs Division communicates and coordinates assistance with them as well.”

All divisions of the Department are actively engaged in supporting the needs of the agricultural community in the wake of this catastrophic event.

Farmers can also find recovery resources on the department’s disaster Web pages, https://www.ncagr.gov/emergency-programs/disaster-information.