Study Shows How Small Farms Are Struggling Months After Hurricane Helene

By Gerard Albert

Farmers in Western North Carolina are still hurting after Hurricane Helene. Between debris cleanup and lost crops, small farms throughout western North Carolina are on the hook for an average of $70,000, according to a study published this month.

Most farmers had damage to their land and equipment  and on top of that, sales are down across the board after a slow tourism season.

A new study from the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project focused on the economic impacts of the storm on small farms.

The organization is focused on helping small local farms thrive, link farmers to markets and supporters, and build healthy communities through connections to local food, according to their website.

The study focused on Appalachian Grown-certified farms  a group of nearly 900 small-scale, family-owned farms growing food for local market outlets.

These farms are economic drivers, especially in rural communities, and shape southern Appalachia culture. Though less than 10% of the 9,500 farms in Western North Carolina, these small farms contribute more than $50 million to the local economy in local food sales and jobs, according to the study.

“[They] preserve the environment and scenic landscape, contribute to healthy communities, and offer entry points for community members to learn about agriculture and actively participate in shaping the food system to align with their values,” the study points out.

As small businesses, these farmers depend on agritourism as well as tourists and locals who buy their food at farmer’s markets.