Ag Disaster Deadline May 4

The application period for farmers seeking assistance from the state has opened.

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has announced the N.C. Ag Disaster Crop Loss Program to assist farmers and producers who have suffered agricultural losses due to natural disasters in 2024. The application period is from April 1 to May 4. Producers must act quickly to submit applications before the deadline.

To qualify for assistance, applicants must:

Have experienced a verifiable loss of agricultural or aquaculture commodities or farm infrastructure due to the 2024 drought, Tropical Storm Debby, or other Presidential or Secretarial declared disasters (including contiguous counties).
Operate a farm located in an affected area for the declared agricultural disaster.
Ensure that the commodity or aquaculture was planted or being raised before the date of the disaster specified in the declaration for their county.

Eligible producers must provide the following when applying:

A 2024 FSA 578 Producer Print from the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) for reported crops.
- If you do not have a 2024 FSA 578 Producer Print, contact your local FSA office to complete a crop report.
- Columbus County FSA Office can be reached at 910-642-2196 ext. 2.
A completed NC Sub W-9 for producer SSN/EIN.

Producers can apply online by visiting NC Ag Disaster Crop Loss Program Website.

For those without access to a computer or internet, the Columbus County Cooperative Extension Office is available to assist with application completion and submission during normal business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.).

With only a few weeks to apply, it is critical that producers gather necessary documentation and apply as soon as possible. Do not wait until the deadline approaches—applications will not be accepted after May 4.

For more information or to schedule assistance, please contact the Columbus County Cooperative Extension Office at 910.640.6605 or visit NC Ag Disaster Crop Loss Program Website.