Virginia has started delivering the first assistance payments to farmers and forest landowners affected by Hurricane Helene. The payments, announced by Governor Glenn Youngkin, are being distributed through the Virginia Farm Recovery Block Grant. This initial round targets operations that experienced income loss due to market impacts from the hurricane. Additional payments for losses related to infrastructure, perennial crops, timber, and other categories will follow.
Governor Youngkin said, “We have been committed to assisting our agricultural and forestry communities in Southwest Virginia since Hurricane Helene swept through. It is a testament to the hard work of this administration and our partnership with the Trump Administration and Secretary Rollins, the USDA, and the state agencies on the ground, that we are delivering the resources Virginians need. We will continue to stand with our agriculture and forestry producers to help Virginia farms and forestry operations rebuild and recover.”
U.S. Secretary Brooke L. Rollins commented on federal support: “President Trump is making government work faster and better for the people it serves. At USDA we saw the devastating impact recent natural disasters had on our nation’s agricultural lands and infrastructure. Together with the Commonwealth of Virginia, we expedited the implementation of this disaster assistance so Virginia’s finest farmers, ranchers, and foresters can get back on their feet and continue to nobly feed and clothe our nation and the world.”
The grant is funded by $60.9 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and aims to help those in eligible localities in Southwest Virginia who suffered certain losses not covered by other federal disaster programs. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) managed the application process with help from both the Virginia Department of Forestry and Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE). The application period ran from September 22 through November 6, 2025, receiving 494 applications.
Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matthew Lohr said, “After the devastation Hurricane Helene brought to our farming and forestry operations in Southwest Virginia, I have been proud to watch our state agencies work together to deliver this much-needed financial relief. We will continue working tirelessly to support the resiliency of our farmers and timber landowners.”
A total of 27 localities—including counties such as Bedford, Buchanan, Giles, Lee, Montgomery, Scott, Tazewell; as well as cities like Bristol, Danville, Galax—were designated as eligible for assistance under this block grant.
VDACS Commissioner Joseph Guthrie stated: “Administering the largest block grant in VDACS’ history has been a true team effort, and our team has risen to the occasion with hard work, innovation, and a deep commitment to helping our farmers and timberland owners recover and get back to work. I want to thank the VDACS team and our partners for the months of dedication needed to get this program off the ground and these essential payments into our producers’ pockets.”
State Forester Robert Farrell highlighted early response efforts: “The Department of Forestry were some of the first responders after Hurricane Helene hit, clearing roads with chainsaws and assisting farmers, foresters, and neighbors as much as we could. It is a proud moment for us to reach this point, where we can deliver financial assistance to those who were impacted and help our communities move forward.”
VCE Associate Director Dan Goerlich described his agency’s ongoing involvement: “The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has been a uniquely difficult time for Southwest Virginia. Virginia Cooperative Extension has stood by our communities throughout, assessing damages, helping our neighbors, and assisting with recovery. Our agents have worked tirelessly to help residents understand and access the Virginia Farm Recovery Block Grant and it has been a privilege to work with other state agencies with a singular focus on serving the residents of the Commonwealth to help our communities be whole again.”
Virginia is one of six states that received USDA funding related to Hurricane Helene but was first among them both in accepting applications for aid as well as distributing payments.
Further details about eligibility criteria or background information on how these grants operate can be found at https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/about-farm-recovery-block-grant.shtml.