Agriculture Recovery Center to Open Friday in Ashe County

HICKORY, N.C. – A one-day Agriculture Recovery Center will operate in Ashe County Friday at Wilkes Community College-Ashe Campus (Kent Poe Hall) to help farmers recover from Tropical Storm Helene.

Two other centers will operate this week in Avery and Yancey counties. All centers are open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

These walk-through events will provide information on addressing agricultural or rural needs that are not covered by standard programs offered by FEMA or the state and offer opportunities for farmers, ranchers, nursery owners, vineyards, honeybee growers and fish producers to meet with agricultural officials to learn about specific assistance available as they recover.  

The centers have representatives from FEMA, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, North Carolina Department of Commerce and Natural Resources, U.S. Small Business Administration, local Farm Service Agency offices and other government agencies.  Farmers are asked to bring documentation of ownership, photos of damaged or lost tools and equipment, along with estimated replacement costs to expedite an application.  For more information: Help for Self-Employed.

The schedule:

Feb. 5

Avery County:
Avery Cooperative Extension Office

661 Vale Rd.

Newland, NC  28657

Feb. 6

Yancey County

Yancey County Senior Center

503 Medical Campus Dr.

Burnsville, NC 28714

Feb. 7

Ashe County

Wilkes Community College-Ashe Campus (Kent Poe Hall)

363 Campus Dr.

West Jefferson, NC 28694