WPBN: For many South Carolina farmers, this year has been difficult due to the extreme drought, inflation, and ongoing effects of Hurricane Helene.
“We have this combination of a whole lot of bad things that are all happening at the same time,” stated Harry Ott, the president of the South Carolina Farm Bureau.
Months after Hurricane Helene, several farms are now recovering thanks to a Farm Forest and Recovery Resource Day.
“It’s just been a challenge all year growing crops.” Raleigh Ward, a member of the South Carolina Farm Bureau stated. “We just need some type of assistance to get us back to where we were.”
In an effort to support farmers, more than 20 federal and state agencies convened in Myrtle Beach on Friday. In South Carolina, which is still dealing with the effects of Helene, the conference was one of three Farm and Forest Recovery Days.
Several agencies, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), are assisting farmers in getting back on their feet.
“We know that the agricultural community is the lifeblood here in the State of South Carolina and many farmers sustained damage to their personal property and some to their equipment,” Nikki Campbell, a media relations specialist with FEMA stated. “We are here to meet the disaster survivor and many farmers are disaster survivors and we are here to meet them in their current situation.”
Since Helene, FEMA has approved more over $231 in housing and other forms of aid.
FEMA Launches Canvassing Effort in South Carolina to Promote Helene Relief
“If you’re a farmer you could possibly get assistance with equipment that was damaged with Hurricane Helene,” Campbell stated.
The assistance comes after Helene killed more than 200 people and destroyed thousands of houses and businesses in areas of South Carolina and Western North Carolina.
Farmers stated that community cooperation is key.
