Farm Recovery Block Grant Program Now Open

/ VFB Governmental Relations

In a historic first for the nation, Governor Glenn Youngkin announced that Virginia has launched the USDA Farm Recovery Block Grant Program, becoming the first state to deliver operational disaster recovery assistance to farmers and timber landowners impacted by Hurricane Helene. Applications opened on Monday, September 22, 2025, marking a significant milestone in state-federal collaboration for agricultural disaster relief.

A National First

Virginia’s quick action in partnering with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has transformed what was once an agreement on paper into tangible, on-the-ground relief for farmers and timber landowners still recovering from Hurricane Helene’s devastation. Through the leadership of the Youngkin Administration and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), the Commonwealth has set a precedent for how states can rapidly deploy federal disaster assistance.

“Virginia is proud to lead the nation in delivering recovery aid to farmers and timber landowners still recovering from Hurricane Helene,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “The opening of this program reflects the power of state and federal collaboration, providing meaningful support to communities that provide so much to our Commonwealth and our nation.”

$60.9 Million in Direct Assistance

VDACS is administering the Virginia Farm Recovery Block Grant Program, which will provide $60.9 million in disaster assistance through direct payments to eligible applicants across 27 designated localities in Southwest and Southside Virginia. These areas serve as the backbone of agricultural and forestry commerce in the Commonwealth.

Eligible Localities

The program covers the following counties: Bedford, Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Craig, Dickenson, Floyd, Giles, Grayson, Lee, Montgomery, Patrick, Pittsylvania, Pulaski, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise and Wythe.

The following independent cities are also included: Bristol, Covington, Danville, Galax, Norton and Radford.

What Losses Are Covered?

The block-grant funding is designed to assist with specific losses not covered by other federal disaster assistance programs, including:

  • Timber losses
  • Farm infrastructure damage (buildings, roads, and bridges used to access crop or livestock production areas)
  • Aquaculture losses
  • Market losses
  • Perennial crop losses
  • Plasticulture losses

Application Timeline and Requirements

Eligible producers can submit applications through Thursday, November 6, 2025 – a 45-day application window. The online application is accessible at www.vdacs.virginia.gov/about-farm-recovery-block-grant.shtml.

How to Apply

  1. Create an account on the online platform
  2. Wait for VDACS review and approval of your registration
  3. Submit identifying information and documentation to substantiate eligible losses

Important Note: Producers applying for certain losses—including market loss, future economic loss, plasticulture, and aquaculture claims—must agree to acquire and maintain USDA Risk Management coverage for two crop years to receive funding.

Help Is Available

Recognizing that not all producers have easy computer access, VDACS staff and Virginia Cooperative Extension agents are ready to assist:

Applicants with limited or no computer access should reach out to their local Extension office for assistance in identifying options.

Why This Matters

“Agriculture and forestry are vitally important to Virginia’s economy and serve as the backbone of commerce in the Southwest and Southside areas of the Commonwealth,” said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matthew Lohr. “This grant funding provides critical, direct support to farmers and timber landowners in those areas and helps them restore their operations to be productive contributors to their communities and our state.”

Hurricane Helene’s impact on Virginia’s agricultural sector was severe, and this funding represents a crucial lifeline for producers working to rebuild their operations. By being the first state to operationalize this program, Virginia demonstrates its commitment to its agricultural communities and sets an example for responsive, effective disaster recovery.

Get Started Today

Don’t wait—the application window closes on November 6, 2025. For complete program details, eligibility criteria, required documentation, or answers to your questions:

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