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HELPING PRODUCE FARMS ADDRESS FOOD SAFETY RISKS AFTER HURRICANE HELENE IN WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA

Extension Education

Elena Rogers
Area Specialized Agent, Food Safety- Fresh Produce
North Carolina State University
Lenoir

Abstract

Hurricane Helene hit western North Carolina (NC) as a tropical storm on September 27, 2024 bringing catastrophic flooding and landslides. Hurricane Helene left in its wake an estimated 4.9-billion-dollar in damage to the agriculture industry. The storm caused major disruption to produce farms due to flooding in and around production fields, destruction of waste and water distribution systems and loss of power for extended periods of time that can lead to contamination and food borne illness. Shortly after the storm, Agents started identifying critical needs and food safety issues that needed to be addressed. One of the most urgent needs was to create awareness of water quality issues with municipal/city water and surface water. Water was needed for crop sprays and harvest operations. The storm hit at a time when apples and certain vegetables were still in harvest. Farmers also needed to know when it was safe to replant crops in flooded areas or if there was a chance to salvage plants that made it through the flood. And yet other farms, needed help starting from scratch. Flooding resources (short videos and infographics) from California LGMA were shared with growers, extension agents and others via text messages due to lack of communications. These resources provided concise information in English and Spanish. An estimated 50 visits have been completed by area and county agents since the storm and are still ongoing. Flood assessments focus on the impact from flood waters to crops, agricultural water systems, soils and equipment. FDA guidance, resources from industry partners and recent research helped inform producers. No evidence of heavy metal contamination has been found on soil samples. Indicators of microbial contamination were found but were expected with an event of such magnitude. The assessments support the 30-60 day waiting period before replanting produce crops recommended by the FDA after a flood. As a result of this effort, farms have been able to identify food safety issues and address them. Natural disasters can happen anytime, we hope our experience in Western NC and the resources identified can help Agents respond to similar events.

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: Elena Rogers, Lynette Johnston, Meghan Baker, Rachel Douglas, Craig Mauney, Sarah Avery Cope
  1. Rogers, E. Area Specialized Agent, Food Safety- Fresh Produce, NC State University , North Carolina, 28645
  2. Johnston, L. Assistant Professor and Food Safety Extension Specialist, North Carolina State University, North Carolina, 27695
  3. Baker, M. Extension Agent, Agriculture - Small Farms, NC Cooperative Extension , North Carolina, 28806
  4. Douglas, R. Extension Agent, Agriculture - Commercial & Consumer Horticulture, NC Cooperative Extension , North Carolina, 28786
  5. Mauney, C. Area Specialized Agent, Commercial Fruit & Vegetable Production, Western Region, NC Cooperative Extension , North Carolina, 28759
  6. Avery Cope, S. Outreach Coordinator, NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, North Carolina, 27699