Hurricane Helene devastates North Carolina farms

North Carolina agricultural leaders say Hurricane Helene caused extensive damage to farms, infrastructure and soil, worsening an already challenging year for the state’s farmers.

Galen Bacharier reports for NC Newsline.

In short:

• Hurricane Helene destroyed crops, eroded topsoil and damaged farm equipment and infrastructure in western North Carolina.
• Industry leaders warn significant state investment is necessary to recover and prevent farm closures.
• Without aid, 20% of farms may shut down by 2025 due to weather damage, inflation and rising costs.

Key quote:

“We are looking at a time where you could see one in every five farms will not be able to operate in 2025.”

— Matt Grissom, president of the Tobacco Growers Association of North Carolina

Why this matters:

Farm closures threaten North Carolina’s economy, food supply and agricultural traditions. Without timely aid, generations of farming families risk losing their livelihoods, impacting rural communities and local industries.