The first payments from the Virginia Farm Recovery Block Grant have been distributed to farmers and forest landowners affected by Hurricane Helene, according to an announcement from Governor Glenn Youngkin. The payments are intended for those who experienced income loss due to market disruptions caused by the hurricane. Additional payments will be made in subsequent rounds to cover other types of losses, including damage to infrastructure, perennial crops, timber, and plasticulture.
Virginia is among six states that received block grant funding related to Hurricane Helene from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), but it is the first state to begin accepting applications and disbursing funds. The application period ran from September 22 to November 6, 2025, and a total of 494 applications were submitted.
Governor Youngkin stated, “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 the federal government’s efforts: “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 $60.9 million block grant aims to support eligible farmers and timber landowners in Southwest Virginia whose losses are not covered by other federal disaster aid programs. The program is administered by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), with support from the Virginia Department of Forestry and Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE).
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.”
Twenty-seven localities—comprising counties such as Bedford, Buchanan, Lee, Montgomery, Pulaski, Washington, Wise; as well as independent cities like Bristol, Danville, Galax—were designated as eligible for assistance.
VDACS Commissioner Joseph Guthrie noted that administering this grant was “a true team effort,” stating: “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.”
Dan Goerlich from VCE added: “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…”
Further information about eligibility criteria or background on how grants are awarded can be found at https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/about-farm-recovery-block-grant.shtml.
