Following Hurricane Helene, ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project) began monitoring the impacts of the storm on small-scale farms in Western North Carolina. Through surveys, phone calls, and farmer-to-farmer facilitated meetings, ASAP researchers have estimated the scope and immediate cost of the hurricane on the farming community and local food economy. The report is now available at asapconnections.org/local-food-research-center. 

The analysis focuses on ASAP’s Appalachian Grown certified farms—a group of nearly 900 small-scale, family-owned farms growing food for local market outlets. The report explores the physical and financial impacts of the storm—both in terms of cleanup and recovery costs as well as lost sales due to product loss and closed or reduced market outlets. 

Key highlights from the report: 

• 86 percent of farms reported physical damage, including nearly 70 percent who reported damage to their land or waterways.

• The scale of damage across farms varied significantly, but for most, the scope of this physical damage didn’t exceed 25 percent of their operation.

• Farms that experienced physical damage reported average cleanup and recovery costs of $40,000.

• Total lost sales per farm (due to both product loss and market outlet closures) include an average of $30,000 in 2024 and an anticipated $28,000 in 2025.

• Storm-related damages and losses constituted 88 percent of the average WNC farm’s gross annual sales.

Appalachian Grown farms are a critical piece of the region’s infrastructure and culture. They contribute more than $50 million to the local economy in local food sales, preserve the environment and scenic landscape, contribute to healthy communities, and offer entry points for community members to learn about agriculture and actively participate in shaping the food system to align with their values. 

“Support for small farms after disasters like Helene is crucial, especially given the limitations of the farm safety net,” said Amy Marion, ASAP Associate Director, who leads ASAP’s Local Food Research Center. “Small-scale farms are often unable to access federal and state support because those programs are designed primarily for large-scale and commodity crop growers. Organizations like ASAP are key to identifying these gaps and supporting small farms through recovery—moving from simply surviving to rebuilding and thriving.”

Said one farmer responding to ASAP’s survey: “After Helene, we felt a lot of support from local organizations and the farming community as a whole in order for us to feel capable and willing to continue farming in 2025. Preserving farmland and locally grown food is more important than ever!” 

ASAP is conducting additional research to understand the long-term implications of the storm. A follow-up report will assess farmers’ experience accessing financial support and technical assistance, identify lingering needs, and make recommendations for supporting small farms and local food economies in the Southern Appalachians. The follow-up report is tentatively scheduled for late 2025.

Source: Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project.