• Objective: to provide technical assistance to 400 farmers in impacted counties: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey Counties, as well as the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. 
• Opportunity for farmer-farmer support and mentorship
• Farmers seeking technical assistance should complete this form.

Contractor Qualifications

• Familiarity with FSA, NRCS, and other USDA programs
• Have the ability to travel to farms in the affected regions
• Be available to commit 10 hours per assigned farm. Visits will begin after a contract is signed and the required training has been completed.

Contractors will be reimbursed for time ($31/hour) and travel (estimated average of 100 miles per farm at $0.67/mile).

Who Should Attend The Informational Session

• Individual farmers who have familiarity with FSA, NRCS, and other USDA programs
• Food system practitioners and nonprofit organizations who can assist farmers with FSA, NRCS, and USDA applications

Key Dates & Deadlines

• Helene Recovery Assistance Initiative Contractor Informational Session: January 3, 2025, 12-1 PM | Zoom registration link
• Applications will be distributed after the informational session. Applications are due by 5 PM on January 10, 2025. Applicants will be notified by EOD 1/13/25.
• Selected contractors will attend a required training webinar on January 17, 2025, 12 to 1:30 PM. Farm visits can start after the 1/17/25 training has been completed.

Contact for questions: [email protected]

View this information as a PDF: Helene Recovery Assistance Initiative Seeks Contractor Applications Info Session PDF