USDA Opens Aid Application For Farmers Recovering From Natural Disasters After Advocacy From Sen. Budd

Today, Senator Ted Budd announced that the United States Department of Agriculture has opened its application process for farmers who suffered crop losses due to natural disasters in 2023 and 2024. This is particularly important for farmers in Western North Carolina, who suffered crop losses due to Hurricane Helene.  

Senator Ted Budd said, “Our farmers are the lifeblood of our nation, sustaining our communities and our economy. When severe weather events, like Hurricane Helene, and drought struck North Carolina last year, it devastated our crops and shattered countless livelihoods. Unfortunately, this tragic pattern repeats itself whenever major natural disasters strike. Without swift disaster relief, agricultural producers face the stark reality of downsizing or closing their operations altogether. This is why I am deeply grateful to the Trump administration for ensuring that critical aid reaches our farmers, in North Carolina and across the country, helping them recover and continue feeding America.”  

Applications for Supplemental Disaster Assistance for agricultural producers open today, July 10th, 2025. To learn more about the process, click here to visit USAD’s website, which explains the program.  

Last March, Sen. Budd led a bipartisan effort to raise awareness of the problem to the newly confirmed leadership of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The letter highlighted the significant impact farmers faced as a result of natural disasters during 2023 and 2024, and the inadequate response from the previous administration. Sen. Budd brought together 29 members of Congress, including both senators and Representatives, to sign the letter, effectively raising awareness of this critical issue facing the United States.