Oct 3, 2024

Carolinas group helping Hurricane Helene recovery

The Carolina Farm Stewardship Association (CFSA), a farmer and citizen support organization, is expressing support for victims of Hurricane Helene.

CFSA is estimating damages for the storm that downed trees and caused extensive flood damage to many agricultural operations throughout the East Coast, leaving many residents without power.

“Our hearts are heavy for all affected by Hurricane Helene across the Southeast, particularly in Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina,” Roland McReynolds, CFSA’s executive director, said in a news release.

“The massive destruction is devastating for the regional food system, as farmland, natural resources and infrastructure are overwhelmed by flood waters. Farms are facing loss of crops, livestock, structures, equipment and the organic topsoil that many have spent decades carefully cultivating, to say nothing of the immediate risks to personal safety.”

CFSA helps people in North and South Carolina grow, eat and enjoy local, organic food, flowers and fibers.

“Although it is too early to know the full extent of the devastation, we are comforted by the power of community we’re witnessing, from grassroots mutual aid networks taking shape to outpourings of financial support from across the nation.”

The release, distributed by NC State Extension, states many have inquired about how they can help storm victims.

“As we continue to assess areas of greatest need in collaboration with our community partners, we have compiled a running document of community-led resources, funds, and projects for use in the
immediate term.

CFAA’s running resources for Helene response and relief link is here.

CFSA offers this guidance for growers:

• Document the damage with timestamped photographs and video.
• List the repairs needed and any costs associated with these.
• When possible, contact local USDA offices to make a report.

CFSA, along with its partners, plans to contact impacted farmers so it can advocate for the resources, assistance and funding growers need to recover and rebuild.

All CFSA staff and board members are safe and accounted for at this time. In the coming days and weeks, CFSA plans to mobilize outreach efforts to farmers, food businesses, and food hubs in the affected communities and will keep its network updated as we develop strategies focused on long-term recovery.

Founded in 1979, the Pittsboro, North Carolina, organization is a farmer-driven, membership-based non-profit that promotes the production and consumption of local, organic food, flowers and fibers for North and South Carolina residents.

Read more here.