After Helene, I heard from orchardists and nursery operators across the district who were desperate to replant but couldn't access the Tree Assistance Program (TAP). They faced one common obstacle: TAP required producers to cover costs upfront before receiving any reimbursement. After a disaster, that money simply wasn't there.
I introduced the Advance TAP Payments Act to fix the problem, and the provision has officially moved forward in the Farm Bill. For apple growers in Henderson County, Christmas tree farms in Avery, and nurseries still rebuilding across our region, this means accessing the relief they've earned without having to front money they don't have.
Historic Investments for NC-11 Farmers
The House-passed Farm Bill supports Western North Carolina farmers by strengthening crop insurance and dairy safety nets, expanding access to loans, and investing over $1 billion in research and protections for fruits, vegetables, and nursery crops. It also invests in rural broadband, clean water, and local infrastructure to strengthen communities.
On the issue of food security, the Farm Bill requires schools to source most meals from U.S. farmers and strengthens oversight of foreign ownership of American farmland.
The bill also includes nearly $200 billion in SNAP reforms to improve accountability, reduce payment errors, reinforce work requirements for able-bodied adults, and ensure benefits are directed to those who need them most.
FY2027 Agriculture Appropriations: More Wins for NC-11
As the only North Carolina member of the House Appropriations Committee, I worked to advance the FY27 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act — a $26.27 billion bill that puts American farmers and rural communities first while cutting $380 million in unnecessary spending.
Here's what the bill delivers:
$1.16 billion for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to protect American agriculture from foreign pests and diseases — a direct priority for NC-11's specialty crop and livestock producers.
Continued investment in agriculture research and rural development loan programs.
Increased funding for frontline meat and poultry inspectors and state inspection programs.
Buy American provisions maintained across federal agriculture programs.
Grant Opportunity for NC-11 Farmers and Conservation Organizations
The EPA’s Gulf of America Division is offering up to $50 million in Farmer-to-Farmer grants to support conservation efforts that improve water quality and habitat across EPA Regions 3–8, including Western North Carolina. Grants range from $1.5 to $2.5 million and are available to eligible organizations, with farmers able to participate through partners.
Applications are due June 19 and can be found at grants.gov or epa.gov/gulfofamerica.
If your organization is considering applying, my office is happy to help. Please reach out at 865-EDWARDS or visit Edwards.house.gov.
