NC Farmers Struggle Over Funding Freeze

North Carolina -- Farmers in North Carolina have had a difficult time recently.  First arrived Hurricane Helene, which tore across the state in

late 2024, leaving flooded farmland, ruined harvests, and wrecked livelihoods,

Then arrived a lifeline—a $3 billion disaster assistance fund granted by Congress under the Biden government meant to aid with farmer recovery.

Now, though, that lifeline is out of reach, twisted in politics and legal disputes following the Trump government's January 2025 freeze in federal funds.  Thousands of farmers are left in financial uncertainty even if several court judgments deciding the freeze illegal have not freed the monies.

Why Are the Funds Frozen?

President Trump's executive order banning all government financial assistance—including disaster relief, farm subsidies, and climate grants—issued on January 20, 2025  The government said it had to go over expenditure plans, but it felt like an ambush for individuals depending on help.

Farmers, state officials, and advocacy groups fought back, and the courts agreed—twice.

January 31, 2025 – Judge John J. McConnell Jr. issued a temporary restraining order blocking the freeze, saying the administration had “no authority to override Congress” and halt already-approved funds.
February 25, 2025 – Judge Loren AliKhan ruled against the administration again, calling the freeze “ill-conceived and lacking legal justification.”

Despite these rulings, the funds remain frozen. The Trump administration has yet to lift the block, effectively ignoring the courts while farmers struggle.

How Is This Hurting Farmers?

For North Carolina’s farmers, the impact is real and immediate:

1. No Relief for Hurricane Helene Losses

The $3 billion set aside for recovery was supposed to repair damage, replace lost crops, and stabilize farm operations. Without it, many can’t afford to plant for the next season, putting their entire livelihoods at risk.

2. Federal Farm Programs Canceled

The funding freeze killed over $1 billion in federal programs that helped farmers sell their products to schools and food banks. These included:

Local Food for Schools Program (LFS) ($660 million)
Local Food Purchase Assistance Program (LFPA) ($500 million)
Without these programs, local farmers lose customers, forcing them to lower prices or leave crops unharvested.

3. Mounting Debt & Mental Stress

Farmers are taking out emergency loans, selling equipment, or cutting costs wherever they can. But not everyone will make it. The uncertainty is taking a toll on mental health, with farm advocacy groups reporting a rise in depression and financial anxiety among rural communities.

What’s Next?

The Trump administration hasn’t budged. Even with the courts ruling against the freeze, there’s still no official timeline for releasing the funds. Lawmakers are calling for Congress to force the administration’s hand, but until then, North Carolina farmers are left waiting, caught in the middle of a fight they never asked for. This isn’t just about politics. It’s about real people—farmers who feed our communities, support local economies, and keep North Carolina’s agricultural legacy alive. Right now, they’re being pushed to the brink by a government that refuses to honor its own commitments.

Until the funding is released, North Carolina’s farmers will continue to do what they’ve always done: fight to survive. But this time, the storm they’re battling isn’t from nature—it’s from Washington.

WNCTimes

Image: WNCTimes