Farmer Flood Relief

ARCD is launching a $150,000 fundraising goal for the Resilient Farmer Fund and invites you to donate towards the goal to help family farms in East TN rebuild and get back to farming for our food system.

At this one year anniversary of Hurricane Helene there is a lot more to be done to help rebuild the farms that feed our community.

More than 1,300 farms were flooded or damaged by Hurricane Helene and the recovery estimate is more than $1.5 billion. Insurance has hardly made a dent, and government programs only cover certain costs.

Check out our new video profiling how three resilient farmers have rebuilt this past year thanks to hard work, hope, and community love. Much appreciation for Fender’s Farm and Runion Farm/The Bent and Bales Farm!

As partners in rural development, natural resource management and farmer development, we are deeply committed to the success and well being of our region’s farmers and food businesses.

In 2024 our community donated nearly $150,000, which ARCD granted out to 35 family farmers who produce for our food system. East TN Foundation, Farm Aid, Conservation Districts across the state, and individual donors were instrumental in this effort.

We think we can do it again. And we know the need is there.

We know more about how the soils and landscape were affected by such devastating flooding and how precariously close some farm businesses are to selling out. ARCD’s Resilient Farmer Fund goes to farmers dedicated to long term recovery of their farm and farming operations.

The Tennessee Governor’s Response and Recovery Fund has contributed $50,000 as seed funds to make your donation go farther.

Lastly, for all our neighbors in East TN, Western NC and beyond, as this one year Helene anniversary comes upon us…take care of yourself. Reach out to your County’s Long Term Recovery Group for physical, spiritual and other needs.

You can also support Resilient Farmer Fund through tickets to the Paramount Bristol’s November 15 concert show, visit www.paramountbristol.org Tickets will be on sale Sept 16th, and more info posted at ARCD.org.