GATE CITY – As many Southwest Virginia farmers wait for federal disaster funds to become available in the wake of tropical story Helene, two state agencies are making available loans up to $50,000.
The Virginia Small Business Finance Authority and the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission have partnered in the Agricultural Disaster Microloan Program, Governor Glenn Youngkin announced Tuesday.
The ADMP program and $6 million fund offers loans of up to $50,000 to help farmers and owners of agricultural and forestry businesses recover from the storm’s effects, ranging from revenue loss to the repair and replacement of damaged equipment.
Scott County is among the 36 Virginia counties and cities eligible for the fund assistance. The Tobacco Commission is providing $5 million of the fund, with the remainder supplied by VSBFA
“Virginia’s farmers and forestry professionals are the backbone of our economy, and their resilience has always been a testament to the strength of our Commonwealth,†said Youngkin Tuesday, “Through the Agricultural Disaster Microloan Program, we’re ensuring that these vital industries have the resources they need to rebuild. This program is a crucial step in our ongoing efforts to restore and revitalize the communities hardest hit by Hurricane Helene.â€
The Agricultural Disaster Microloan Program provides loans ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 to cover various disaster-related needs, including equipment repair, temporary loss of revenue, and other expenses directly resulting from Hurricane Helene.
“Agriculture is central to our economy and I've seen firsthand the impact Hurricane Helene had on our farming and forestry community,†said Tobacco Commission Vice-Chair and state Delegate Will Morefield. “For many, recovery will take years but I am proud the Tobacco Commission is able to stand by them in this time of need by providing these loans to help them get back on their feet.â€
Local cleanup concerns
Scott County Cooperative Extension agent Scott Jerrell advised county agricultural operators to report damages as soon as possible as federal agencies begin assembling their damage estimates to seek additional congressional disaster allocations.
Many county farms have seen losses from damaged crops and hay, downed fences, damaged or destroyed structures and tree/timber losses. Jerrell said it is critical to report this damage, as it helps determine what potential assistance may be available to local farmers.
If you have experienced agricultural damage, fill out the online loss estimate found at or contact the Scott County Extension Office at (276) 452-2772. If you are in need of assistance or would like to donate, Extension has set up two forms at: or .
Jerrell advised people to contact their insurance companies immediately to start the damage claims process. The USDA Farm Service Agency will be accepting applications for assistance in farm clean up and tree removal through the Emergency Conservation Program. ECP assists farmers with damage repair caused by natural disaster. Keep detailed records of costs incurred and take pictures to document damage. Contact the FSA Office at (276) 386-3951 for more information and details.
Jerrell said anyone doing damage cleanup should use gloves, eye protection, chaps, and other necessary protective equipment for safety. When dealing with potentially toxic trees and plants around the farm and home, such as black cherry, chokecherry, oaks, buckeye, red maple, box elder, and Japanese yew, make sure those plants are not left in the fields where livestock graze as they can cause livestock or horse illness and death.
Also, Jerrell said, grazing livestock may eat plants not normally consumed such as perilla mint, nightshade, poison hemlock, rhododendron, and ferns. Exclude livestock from fields containing these plants until normal grazing can be restored.
Scott County agricultural damages are nearing $2 million dollars, Jerrell said, and will continue to increase. While that is a large impact for local producers, it may be years before cleanup and total damages can be addressed. He recommended patience as assistance funds may take time to become available. Join the Scott County Extension Office Facebook page at for other notifications and information
Virginia loan eligibility
The ADMP loans are available with a fixed interest rate of 2.5%, with a reduced rate of 1.5% for veteran-owned businesses, and feature flexible terms of up to 36 months, including an interest-only period of up to 90 days or a single-pay loan option for up to 120 days. No fees are required, and all eligible applicants must have satisfactory credit, be in good standing with the State Corporation Commission, and have established their business before October 1, 2022.
Funds are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and must be used for approved purposes, which include repairs, equipment replacement, and temporary revenue loss, while debt refinancing, real estate, and passive investments are ineligible.
Applications for ADMP loans will be accepted through Dec. 31. To apply and for more information on eligibility and application guidelines, visit the VSBFA website or contact VSBFA directly at or by calling (804) 786-1049.
