Senator Thom Tillis, alongside Senator Jeanne Shaheen, is calling on the U.S. Department of Agriculture to speed up the distribution of a hefty $23 billion disaster relief package that Congress approved late last year. This federal assistance was designated to support farmers, ranchers, and rural communities hit hard by extreme weather events throughout 2023 and 2024. According to Senator Tillis's Office, the money is crucial for agricultural producers across all states grappling with these calamities' ramifications.
In the letter addressed to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Senators Tillis and Shaheen highlighted the broad spectrum of damage, noting that "these funds will benefit producers in every State—the natural disasters that struck farms and ranches in 2023 and 2024 affected a wide range of crops, livestock, and on-farm infrastructure." The communication details specific setbacks such as Hurricane Helene, which unleashed close to $5 billion in agricultural losses in North Carolina alone, and a severe freeze in New Hampshire that devastated fruit crops, where some growers faced up to a whole 100% loss for the year, as cited by Senator Tillis's Office.
Furthermore, the senators emphasized the importance of inclusivity in the disaster relief program, as it is tailored to aid producers with and without crop insurance, ensuring even small, diversified operations aren’t left behind. As Senator Tillis's Office stated, "The supplemental provides targeted funds for small farm states, and it also specifically directs the Secretary to offer technical assistance to interested non-insured producers to help them apply for funding made available."
