Agriculture Recovery Resources
Hurricane Helene may have caused significant damage, but with the right resources and support, Tennessee’s agricultural community can recover and thrive. There are valuable resources for farmers and communities beyond those covered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and TEMA, including Non-Government Relief Programs, Government Relief Programs, and Farm Recovery Loans.
This is not a guarantee or promise of support from any agency or organization. Click on the program title for more information.
Tennessee Farm Disaster Fund, Tennessee Farm Bureau
Assists in rebuilding and recovery from sustained losses post-disaster.
Farmer Relief Fund, Tennessee Local Food
Offers financial assistance to local farmers navigating unexpected challenges, with an emphasis on supporting sustainable farming practices. Access the application via Google Forms here.
Resilient Farmer Fund, Appalachian Resource Conservation & Development Council
Assists farmers and food producers to grow more resilient. To apply, email Bethany Gray at bethany@arcd.org or Rosie McVeigh at rosie@arcd.org.
Emergency Response Grant, The Livestock Conservatory
Funding assistance for genetically important animals in danger of being lost due to environmental catastrophe, global crisis, or owner death/disability.
National Microgrant, The Livestock Conservatory
Grants to help farmers who actively work with livestock and poultry breeds to improve farm-related operations. Applications open May 15, 2025.
Agriculture Enterprise Fund, Tennessee Department of Agriculture
Incentive program that facilitates agricultural development in Tennessee.
Emergency Conservation Program, USDA Farm Service Agency
Offers emergency funding and technical support to help farmers and ranchers restore farmland and conservation structures affected by natural disasters. Application deadline is June 1, 2025.
Emergency Forest Restoration, USDA Farm Service Agency
Offers technical and financial support to owners of non-industrial private forests to restore forest health and resources impacted by natural disasters. Application deadline is June 1, 2025.
AgTrack Cost Share Fund, Tennessee Department of Agriculture
Supports new or expanding agricultural, food, and forestry businesses in Tennessee.
Emergency Loan Program, USDA Farm Service Agency
Loans to support farmers and ranchers impacted by natural disasters to restore or replace essential property,cover production costs, pay essential family living expenses, and refinance certain debts. Application deadline is June 1, 2025.
Disaster Set-Aside Program, USDA Farm Service Agency
Provides financial relief to farmers and ranchers with existing Farm Service Agency loans by allowingeligible producers to move one annual installment for each loan to the end of the loan term. Application deadline is June 1, 2025.
If you are interested in learning more about a specific program, you may access the agency or organization by clicking on the program link.
If you require assistance in person, please visit a UT Agriculture Extension Center or a USDA Service Center.
Resources