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Helping produce farmers address food safety issues after Hurricane Helene in Western NC

Horticulture & Turfgrass

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 in late September 2024, bringing catastrophic flooding and landslides. The storm left in its wake an estimated 4.9-billion-dollar in damage to the agriculture industry. It caused major disruption to produce farms due to flooding that occurred in and around production fields, destruction of waste and water systems, communication infrastructure, damage to roads, loss of power for extended periods of time, and loss of human lives. From a food safety standpoint, fresh fruits and vegetables that come in contact with flood waters are considered adulterated by the FDA and cannot be sold for human consumption. It was critical to help farmers identify issues and address them to protect public health. One of the most urgent needs was to create awareness of water quality issues in the region before safely resuming harvest. The storm hit at a time when apples and certain vegetables are harvested. Second, farms with crops that the edible portion did not come in contact with flood waters (but flooding did occur nearby) needed help to determine how to safely proceed with harvest. Third, farms that lost crops that had been recently transplanted such as strawberries, cabbage and greens needed to make decisions about early replanting. Finally, the farms that had catastrophic damage, needed guidance to rebuild fields and packing areas. Growers were anxious and in need of expert advice. Flooding resources (short videos and infographics) were shared with growers, extension agents and others via text messages. These provided concise information before farms could be reached. An estimated 50 visits and flood assessments 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, water systems, soils and equipment. Guidance from the FDA and resources from industry partners and recent research helped inform the producers. As a result of this effort, farms have been able to identify food safety issues and address them. Natural disasters can happen anytime, this work can help other Agents be better prepared to to help their growers.

Authors: Elena Rogers, Lynette, Rachel Douglas, Meghan Baker, Michael Rayburn, Craig Mauney, Matt Rodriguez, Luke Owen, Elizabeth Ayers
  1. Elena Rogers Area Specialized Agent, Food Safety- Fresh Produce, North Carolina State University, North Carolina, 28645
  2. Lynette Johnston, NC State University, North Carolina, 27695
  3. Rachel Douglas Extension Agent, Agriculture - Commercial & Consumer Horticulture, NC Cooperative Extension, North Carolina, 28786
  4. Meghan Baker Extension Agent, Agriculture - Small Farms, NC Cooperative Extension , North Carolina, 28806
  5. Michael Rayburn Extension Agent, Agriculture - Urban Agriculture, NC A&T University, North Carolina, 28806
  6. Craig Mauney Area Specialized Agent, Commercial Fruit & Vegetable Production, Western Region, North Carolina State University, North Carolina, 28759
  7. Matt Rodriguez Extension Agent, Agriculture - Horticulture, NC Cooperative Extension, North Carolina, 28655
  8. Luke Owen Extension Agent, Agriculture - Commercial Horticulture, NC Cooperative Extension , North Carolina, 28806
  9. Elizabeth Ayers County Extension Director and Commercial Horticulture Agent Call ElizabethEmail Elizabeth, NC Cooperative Extension, North Carolina, 28753