In the wake of Hurricane Helene, which ravaged western North Carolina, local farmers are confronting unprecedented challenges as they work to recover from the destruction.
The storm, now recognized as one of the deadliest hurricanes since Katrina, left behind a trail of devastation, including severely damaged farms across the region.
In Marion, Hmong farmers Chue and Tou Lee of Lee’s One Fortune Farm suffered significant losses, with $60,000 worth of produce drowned due to flooding from nearby Canoe Creek.
Their fields are now buried under nearly four feet of sand and sediment, necessitating heavy machinery for cleanup before they can replant.
Meanwhile, Delia Jovel Dubón, head of the Tierra Fértil Coop in Hendersonville, faced a similar fate, as the French Broad River inundated their fields, destroying all crops and two greenhouses.
Community efforts and patience are key as farmers work to restore their livelihoods.The impact of the flooding is not only financial but also environmental. Soil, often described as life, is vital for healthy crop growth, teeming with microorganisms that support plant health.
However, the waterlogged conditions have led to a phenomenon known as post-flood syndrome, where beneficial soil life suffers, potentially stunting future crop growth.
Contaminants from septic systems and chemicals have further compromised the soil, increasing the risk of pathogens like E. coli and salmonella in the remaining produce.
Farmers in the area are encouraged to adopt patient, regenerative practices, such as planting cover crops to restore soil health over time.
This approach allows the land to recover from contamination while improving soil structure. Community efforts, including fundraising and cleanup days, have begun to mobilize as farmers strive to reclaim their livelihoods.
Despite the daunting recovery process, farmers remain hopeful.
As Mark Dempsey of Swannanoa reflects, “Everything starts with a seed. It’s the magic on which we bet our hearts & livelihoods.” With resilience and support, these farmers aim to rebuild and thrive once again.