NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) – Farmers and forest landowners impacted by Hurricane Helene will have additional time to apply for state and federal recovery assistance.
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture has extended the application deadline for the Hurricane Helene Agricultural and Timber Relief Fund to Aug. 31, 2026, at 4 p.m. Central Time, or 5 p.m. Eastern Time.
The federally funded program provides approximately $34 million in financial assistance to help agricultural producers and forest landowners recover from losses caused by Hurricane Helene in September 2024.
Funding is available to eligible applicants in Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi and Washington counties.
Agriculture Commissioner Andy Holt said the extension will give more producers an opportunity to access the funding while receiving assistance with the application process.
“Recovery from Hurricane Helene remains a priority for Tennessee agriculture, and we’re encouraged by the response to this program so far,” Holt said. “Extending the deadline and bringing application assistance directly into local communities will help ensure every eligible producer and forest landowner has the opportunity to access these funds.”
Since applications opened in April, the department has received requests covering a wide range of losses. Officials say damage to farm infrastructure—including roads, bridges and agricultural buildings—as well as timber losses account for many of the applications submitted so far.
The department says missing documentation and identity verification issues continue to be the biggest obstacles for applicants. Officials are encouraging producers to carefully review requirements and submit all necessary paperwork.
To help applicants, Tennessee Department of Agriculture staff and University of Tennessee Extension specialists will travel throughout Upper East Tennessee during July to provide free, in-person assistance.
Meetings are scheduled in all eight eligible counties, including Jonesborough, Erwin, Morristown, Greeneville, Mountain City, Elizabethton, Rogersville and Newport.
Officials are also reminding timber loss applicants that documentation from an accredited forester is required. A list of qualified foresters is available through the Hurricane Helene Agricultural and Timber Relief Fund website.
Additional information about eligibility requirements, application materials and assistance events is available through the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.
