Governor Glenn Youngkin Announces Agriculture Recovery Resource Day to Aid Farmers Impacted by Hurricane Helene

RICHMOND, VA - Governor Glenn Youngkin announced today, in conjunction with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the launch of the first Agriculture Recovery Resource Day – a daylong event aimed at supporting Virginia farmers, private forest owners, and agribusinesses affected by the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene in Southwest Virginia. This event will take place on Tuesday, October 29th, from 9:00am to 7:00pm at Mountain View Baptist Church: 112 Mountain View Road, Independence, VA 24348. 

The Agriculture Recovery Resource Day will bring together over 17 local, state, and federal agencies, as well as nonprofit organizations, to offer a comprehensive set of programs and resources that can assist farmers in the recovery process. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect directly with experts who can guide them through disaster assistance programs, grants, and other recovery options tailored to meet their specific needs. Additional Agriculture Recovery Resource Days are currently being planned for the week of November 4th in Wythe and Washington County. 

“Our administration has worked closely with federal, state and local authorities to provide Virginia’s agricultural community with the tools and support needed to recover from the significant losses caused by Hurricane Helene in Southwest Virginia,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “Farms are the backbone of Virginia’s economy and its communities, and we are committed to ensuring farmers have access to the resources necessary to get back on their feet.” 

Federal, state, and local resources available at the event include: 

Federal agencies:

• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

 

• U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

 

• USDA Farm Service Agency (USDA FSA)

 

• USDA National Resources Conservation Agency (USDA NRCS)

 

• USDA Rural Development (USDA RD)

 

Commonwealth agencies:

• Virginia Department of Emergency Management

 

• Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

 

• Virginia Department of Forestry

 

• Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation

 

• Virginia Department of Environmental Quality

 

• Virginia Cooperative Extension

 

• Virginia Department of Health

 

• Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission

 

Local agencies and organizations:

• Soil and Water Conservation Districts

 

• Virginia Farm Bureau

 

• Virginia Cattlemen’s Association

 

• Farm Credit of the Virginias

 

• First Bank & Trust

 

• Mount Rogers Health District

 

• AgriSafe

“FEMA is proud to support Virginia’s efforts to help farmers, private forest owners, and agribusinesses rebuild and recover after Hurricane Helene,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Timothy Pheil. “We understand the critical role agribusinesses play in Virginia’s economy, and through the Agriculture Recovery Resource Days, we’re working to provide farmers with direct access to the tools and resources they need to bounce back stronger than ever.” 

“These events will provide critical information and resources to farmers and agribusinesses who have been affected by Hurricane Helene,” said Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matthew Lohr. “The agriculture sector is vital to Virginia’s economy, and by working together with FEMA, USDA, and our state agencies, we are ensuring that our farmers can access the help they need to rebuild and recover.” 

For more information on Agriculture Recovery Resource Days, including the additional events scheduled in Wythe and Washington counties the week of November 4th, please visit: https://www.fema.gov/event/hurricane-helene-virginia-agricultural-recovery-resource-day 

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