Governor reopens Farm Recovery Block Grant Program, announces Virginia Wood Council
Virginia has approximately 16 million acres of forestland, and the Commonwealth’s forests are major economic drivers. Floyd County itself is more than 60% forested.
Gov. Abigail Spanberger recently made two announcements that could impact Floyd farmers and timber producers.
On Friday, April 17, she announced the establishment of the Virginia Wood Council during an industry roundtable. The new advisory body is focused on growing Virginia’s forestry industry, supporting loggers, and making sure Virginia’s forests remain strong into the future. The Council will also help the industry contend with the challenges created by federal tariffs and support business expansion into new markets.
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“Forestry serves as the backbone of local economies across our Commonwealth,” said Spanberger. “We need to do more to support the hardworking men and women who power this critical industry — particularly in the midst of the uncertainty created by the President’s reckless tariffs. That’s why I am creating the Virginia Wood Council to drive economic growth, help businesses access new markets for Virginia-made wood products, and keep our forests and wood-based businesses strong for generations to come. I look forward to appointing highly qualified experts from across Virginia to serve on this Council.”
The full directive can be found here.
Virginia has approximately 16 million acres of forestland, and the Commonwealth’s forests are major economic drivers. Floyd County itself is more than 60% forested.
Forestry is Virginia’s number three private industry — currently generating more than 108,000 jobs and contributing $21 billion annually to Virginia’s economy. As much as 25 percent of revenue received from forest product sales is returned to the localities where the forests are located.
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On Monday, April 20, Gov. Spanberger announced that the Virginia Farm Recovery Block Grant Program will reopen to ensure producers and timber owners whose operations were impacted by Hurricane Helene, and who did not apply for assistance during the initial application period, have an opportunity to apply for disaster assistance.
The program provides direct financial assistance to eligible applicants who sustained damage to farm infrastructure, timber, or certain commodity loss across the 27 localities designated as federal disaster areas.
The Virginia Farm Recovery Block Grant Program application portal will reopen on April 27 at 9 a.m., and close on July 1 at 5 p.m. Farmers and timber owners with verifiable agricultural or forest losses are encouraged to learn more at www.vdacs.virginia.gov/about-farm-recovery-block-grant.shtml.
“Helene caused widespread devastation in Southwest and Southside, resulting in millions of dollars in damage to property. Many farmers and forest landowners impacted by the storm continue to rebuild, nearly two years after the flood waters receded,” said Governor Abigail Spanberger. “Restoring the viability of affected farms and timber operations is paramount to these regions and to the state’s economic success. That’s why we are reopening the Virginia Farm Recovery Block Grant Program application portal for farmers and timber owners who did not apply during the initial period. I encourage any producer in the affected area who has eligible damage or loss to take advantage of this opportunity.”
Andrew Blevins
210 N Locust Street
Floyd, VA 24091-2105
(540) 745-2777
Next to School House Fabrics on Route 8 in the Town of Floyd.
The Virginia Farm Recovery Block Grant Program is administered by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), in coordination with the Virginia Department of Forestry and Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE). To aid producers in the application process, VDACS will hold an in-person training session at 10 a.m. on May 1 at the following address:
Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, Room 240
One Partnership Circle
Abingdon, Virginia 24210
Anyone not able to attend this in-person training may participate virtually by registering at https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/a7b5dd0b-3aab-48d2-8c0e-be8cc3d88f2b@620ae5a9-4ec1-4fa0-8641-5d9f386c7309.
Throughout the application period, VDACS staff and VCE agents will be available via telephone, email, or in person to aid applicants in navigating the online application portal. Producers who have limited or no computer access should contact their local Virginia Cooperative Extension office for assistance in identifying available options. Information for contacting Floyd's Extension Office can be found at www.floyd.ext.vt.edu or by calling (540) 745-9307.
For program details, eligibility criteria, required documentation, or general questions, visit www.vdacs.virginia.gov/about-farm-recovery-block-grant.shtml, or call (833) 469-5037 or email DisasterRecoveryGrants@vdacs.virginia.gov.
G.J. Ingram & Son
Fuel, Farm & Home Supplies
Proudly Serving Floyd County for 80 years!
2107 Floyd Hwy North, Floyd VA
540-745-3201
