RICHMOND, Virginia – Governor Glenn Youngkin announced that Virginia is the first state in the nation to launch the Farm Recovery Block Grant Program, funded by the US Department of Agriculture. Beginning Monday, September 22, 2025, farmers and timber landowners in designated localities can apply for direct financial assistance to recover from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene. …Through this partnership with USDA, the Virginia Farm Recovery Block Grant Program and will provide $60.9 million in disaster assistance through direct payments to eligible applicants in 27 designated localities. …The block-grant funding is intended to assist farmers and timber owners with certain losses that are not covered by other federal disaster assistance programs. Funding claims for this grant opportunity may be submitted for timber losses. …Eligible producers can begin submitting applications on Monday, September 22, 2025.