Hurricane Helene Agricultural and Timber Relief Fund - COMING April 22

What is the Hurricane Helene Agricultural and Timber Relief Fund? 

The Hurricane Helene Agricultural and Timber Relief Fund is a Tennessee Department of Agriculture program, funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, to help eligible agricultural producers and forest landowners recover from verified losses caused by Hurricane Helene. The program is intended to offset a portion of eligible agricultural and timber damages in eligible counties in Northeast Tennessee.  

Which counties are eligible? 

Eligible losses must have occurred in Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi or Washington County.  

Who can apply? 

Eligible applicants include individuals or legal entities that suffered an eligible loss as a direct result of Hurricane Helene and had an ownership share and financial risk in the crop or timber. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, resident alien, qualifying partnership, qualifying corporation or LLC or Tribal organization.  

Do I have to own the property to apply? 

No. The applicant may be the legal owner or legal lessee of the farmland or forestland at the time of Hurricane Helene. Documentation proving ownership or lease must be submitted with the application.  

Can someone apply on behalf of a business, trust, or individual? 

Yes. If someone is applying on behalf of a business, trust, or individual, supporting authorization documents must be provided, such as a power of attorney, articles of incorporation, authorization letter or trust documentation.  

How do I apply? 

Applications must be submitted online through TDA’s Submittable system. Applicants will first complete an eligibility form, then complete the full application if they are determined eligible.  

Do I submit one application for all losses? 

Yes. Applicants must submit one application that includes all eligible losses affected by Hurricane Helene. Separate farm or forestland information forms will then be completed for each farm or forestland where losses occurred.  

How long will the application period last? 

The application will be open for 90 days 

Will there be another application round if funds remain? 

If all funds are not distributed after the first round, TDA may open a subsequent round during the grant performance period for producers who did not apply during the initial round.  

What documents may be required? 

Documentation will depend on the type of loss being claimed, but may include proof of ownership or lease, W-9, parcel maps, FSA records, tax forms, photos of damage, receipts, invoices, insurance information, and other supporting materials.  

Can TDA verify my application after I apply? 

Yes. TDA may request additional documents, conduct site visits, use aerial imagery or UAV/UAS technology and perform other verification steps to confirm eligibility and losses claimed.  

How much will approved applicants receive? 

Eligible producers will be reimbursed for up to 90% of verified losses. However, if total eligible requests exceed available funding, an additional reduction factor may be applied and/or the payment cap may be lowered.  

Is there a payment cap? 

Yes. There is a payment cap of $2.5 million per application, although that cap may be lowered if requests exceed available funding.  

How long will the review process take? 

Reviews and assessments are on a rolling basis with notifications going out within 8 weeks after the application period closes. 

When will payments be issued? 

Payments are expected within 10 to 14 business days after notification, although payment timing may depend on supplier setup and processing.  

Do I need to be in the Edison system to receive payment? 

Yes. All applicants must become suppliers with the State of Tennessee through the Edison system in order to receive payment. TDA will assist application who do not already have an Edison account. 

Are payments taxable? 

Yes. Payments received through this fund are taxable as normal farm income and are not exempt from federal or state taxes. A 1099 will be sent to recipients.  

How long must I keep my records? 

Applicants must retain financial and other records related to the program for three years, or until final resolution of any audit findings or litigation, whichever is later.  

What type of forest-related loss is eligible?

The forest-related category under this program is timber loss. Timber loss must be a direct result of Hurricane Helene and must meet the acreage damage, and documentation requirements in the application.

Is there a minimum acreage requirement for timber claims?

Yes. Eligible damaged forested areas must include at least 10 contiguous acres of forestland under a single ownership, or timber recently purchased for harvest but not harvested prior to Hurricane Helene.

Is there a minimum damage requirement for timber claims?

Yes. Timber losses must meet at least the minimum level of moderate damage, which is defined as16% or more of the forested area damaged.

What qualifies as moderate or severe timber damage?

Damage is classified as:

• Moderate: 16% to 39% of trees damaged
• Severe: 40% or greater damage

These categories are based on the Southern Group of State Foresters damage assessment framework used in the workplan.

What documentation is required for a timber claim?

Timber applicants must submit:

• A forest management plan for at least a 10-year cycle prepared by an accredited forester.
• An invoice for the accredited forester
• At least three photographs of damaged timber
• One aerial map
• A narrative explaining the claim and supporting documentation

Do I need a professional forester?

Yes. For timber claims, the workplan requires a forest management plan authored by an accredited forester.

Are timber purchasers eligible to apply?

Potentially, yes. A timber purchaser may be eligible if they purchased timber to harvest that was unharvested and damaged by Hurricane Helene and can provide proof of sale. (Please see the “Glossary” for more information.)

Can timber applicants receive assistance if they had insurance or salvage proceeds?

Only for losses not already covered. The timber loss calculation subtracts other payments received on the loss, including salvage, insurance, and payments from tax form 4684.

Are there forestry compliance requirements if I receive funding?

Yes. If approved for funding, landowners, timber purchasers, and any agents acting on their behalf must follow all applicable State Forestry Best Management Practices published by the Tennessee Division of Forestry. 

Does timberland have to be private forestland?

Yes. Eligible timber damage must be located on private forestland.

What types of farm-related losses are eligible?

Farm-related eligible losses fall into three categories:

• Infrastructure loss
• Future economic loss
• Market loss

What is considered an infrastructure loss?

Infrastructure losses may include eligible farm structures and systems such as above-ground irrigation, on-farm roads, bridges, culverts, high tunnels, hoop houses, silos, barns, greenhouses, packing houses, cold storage buildings, tobacco curing barns and certain other qualifying farm structures.

What is considered a future economic loss?

Future economic loss applies to perennial crops that were destroyed or damaged and will take multiple years to return to full production, such as apple trees, blueberry bushes, blackberry bushes, raspberry bushes or Christmas trees. The same or a similar perennial crop must be replanted.

What is considered a market loss?

A market loss is the loss of potential sales from a crop that had reached maturity but spoiled, was discarded, or could not be sold because market access was disrupted as a result of Hurricane Helene.

Is there a minimum acreage requirement for farm-related losses?

Yes. For infrastructure, future economic, and market losses, all eligible losses on an application must be located on properties totaling at least 10 acres of farmland under a single ownership or lease.

Is there a minimum loss amount for farm-related claims?

Yes. The minimum thresholds are:

• On-farm buildings: $1,000 per application
• On-farm roads, bridges, and culverts: $1,000 minimum loss
• Above-ground irrigation: $1,000 per application
• Future economic loss: $1,000 per production area
• Market loss: $1,000 per crop in potential sales

Do I have to be a commercial producer to qualify for farm-related losses?

Yes. For any loss other than timber, the applicant must demonstrate commercial agricultural activity during the 12 months before the storm. This can be shown through a USDA farm number, Schedule F, or other documentation showing at least $1,000 in agricultural sales one year prior to the storm.

What kind of land is eligible for farm-related claims?

The damaged land must be classified as agricultural land and must be used primarily for farming. Land used primarily for residential, recreational or non-agricultural commercial purposes is not eligible.

Do I need to replace or repair damaged farm infrastructure to qualify?

Yes. Eligibility for infrastructure loss is limited to repair or replacement. Only producers who replace or repair the lost infrastructure are eligible.

What documentation will farm applicants need?

Depending on the loss type, applicants may need to provide proof of ownership or lease, parcel maps, FSA numbers, land use classification documents, photos of damage, receipts, invoices, estimates, insurance records, sales receipts, NAP records, tax forms and replanting documentation.

Are photos required for farm-related claims?

Yes. Photographic evidence for infrastructure losses, market losses, and future economic losses are required.

Can I receive payment if insurance or other assistance covered my farm loss?

Only for losses not already covered. Applicants must disclose insurance and other compensation received or expected for the same damage. Payments are limited to verified losses that were not covered by insurance, other federal aid, or other compensation sources.

Can I claim a market loss if I received SDRP for the same loss?

No. If the applicant has received or will receive a Supplemental Disaster Relief Program payment for the same market loss, that loss is not eligible under this program.

Do future economic and market loss applicants have crop insurance requirements after receiving payment?

Yes. Applicants receiving payment for future economic loss or market loss must obtain crop insurance or NAP coverage for the next two available reinsurance years at the required coverage level, subject to program rules.

• Deed, title, sale, or lease agreement
• Parcel maps showing property boundaries and acreage (available from local property assessor or UT Extension can assist.)
• Farm Service Agency (FSA) farm number(s) and Form 578
• Agricultural or forestry property tax classification documents (2023 or 2024)
• Certificate of Organization, certified by the State Corporation Commission
• Articles of Incorporation, certified by the State Corporation Commission
• Copy of a Will or Court Order, for estates and trusts

Why: These establish eligibility and acreage verification for minimum loss thresholds (10 contiguous acres per ownership/lease).
 

• Schedule F (Form 1040) or other tax documentation showing at least $1,000 in agricultural sales in the 12 months prior to the storm
• Other records of farm activity (e.g., invoices for seed, fertilizer, or produce sales)

Why: TDA must verify that the applicant was an operating producer at the time of the storm.
 

For Infrastructure Losses

• Photographic evidence (3–5 per structure) of damage or destrution to greenhouses, barns, and packing houses, silos and other farm infrastructure that had a crop or livestock present in the structure within 12 months prior to the weather event
• Photographic evidence (3–5 per structure) of damage or destrution to farm raods, bridges or culverts that provide direct access to crop production area or livestock production are that was in production 12 months prior to the weather event
  
• Photographic evidence (3–5 per structure) of damage or destrution to above ground irrigation systems used for commercial agricultural purposes
  
• Quotes, invoices and estimates demonstrating replacement costs for certain farm infrastructure or third-party vendor estimates for repair or replacement costs
• Insurance adjustment reports and/or proof of insurance payments related to farm infrastructure losses

 
For Market Losses

• Documentation or evidence of harvested crops that were destroyed or corps that remained unharvested due to a loss of markert (i.e. unsold crops that were destroyed because the market became unavailable because of the weather event.)
• Invoices, pro-formas, contracts or correspondence from a corporate purchaser that document market loss conditions
• Documentation of lost markets due to weather or access issues

For Future Economic Losses

• Photographic evidence of the damage sustained to the perennial crops
• Photographic evidence of the replanting of perennial crops
• Documentation of the replanting of perennial crops on the property to reestablish the crops that were lost due to the storm

For Timber Losses

• Forest management plan (10-year) authored by a professional forester
• Photographs documenting timber damage or destruction to timber
• Acreage maps and damage estimates based on the Southern Group of State Foresters (SGSF) protocol

Why: Evidence of loss is required for all claim types, and foresters’ documentation is mandatory for timber claims
 

• W-9 form (for payment processing and Edison Supplier setup)
• Federal Form 4684 (Casualty Loss) if completed previously
• Documentation of application to, or payment recieved from, any other USDA indemnity or recovery program as a result of Hurricane Helene

Why: This ensures that payments under the Relief Fund are not duplicated and can be processed efficiently.
 

If applying for Future Economic or Market Loss categories:

• Be ready to purchase Federal Crop Insurance or NAP coverage for 2027 and 2028 (as required by USDA linkage rules).
• Confirm with your local FSA office about NAP eligibility or Whole Farm Revenue Protection options.

Replanting and Future Production Requirements

• Applicants must replant or demonstrate clear intent to replant to remain eligible.
• Applicants must document one of the following: Proof of replanting or justification for inability to replant (e.g., land no longer viable, prolonged inability to obtain crops or planting materials).
• Certification and compliance verification related to replanting and future production will be required as part of the application.
• Producers who do not intend to return to full production are not eligible for Future Economic Loss assistance.
• Relocation to reestablish operations may qualify if linkage to future production is maintained.
• Relocation by choice (not driven by necessity related to loss) does not meet linkage requirements.

Why: Applicants must agree to linkage terms as a condition of receiving payments.
 

W9 - Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification

Forest Management Plan Assistance Payment Form - Coming Soon

Forest Management Plan Instructions and Template (Downloadable Word Document)

Link to List of Foresters