In the mountainous region near Asheville, farmers are now confronted with the daunting task of rehabilitating land devastated by flooding. Supported by community efforts, they’re navigating the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which has left a lasting impact on this area.
Chris Smith, who farms and raises his family in western North Carolina, describes the devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene, noting the tragic stories that have emerged—homes destroyed by landslides, families swept away, and lost lives revealed as waters receded. The hurricane profoundly disrupted the community’s sense of security, as residents now find themselves wary of their surroundings, with flooding not only altering landscapes but also changing how they view the weather.
The destruction left by Helene sheds light on an ongoing climate crisis. In Marion, North Carolina, Chue and Tou Lee of Lee’s One Fortune Farm, who cultivate a variety of crops—including rice, a rarity in the mountains—were severely impacted by Canoe Creek’s flooding, resulting in a loss of $60,000 worth of produce. Their fields are now buried under nearly four feet of sediment, requiring significant machinery to clear before they can replant.
Meanwhile, 60 miles away in Hendersonville, Delia Jovel Dubón from Tierra Fértil Coop faced a similar fate. Their partnership with Tiny Bridge Farm was cut short after the French Broad River surged 10 feet above its previous record, inundating their fields with 20 feet of water and destroying all crops. Ed Graves, a co-owner of Tiny Bridge, expressed the frustration of having to fundraise after such disasters, stating, “Our food system is such that people who feed their communities have to fundraise after disasters.” Nonetheless, he clung to hope: “We still have topsoil so we have hope.”
Understanding the critical role of soil in sustainable agriculture, Michael Rayburn, a farmer and urban agriculture extension agent, emphasizes that the soil is alive with various organisms that interact with plants. However, when soil is submerged, this delicate ecosystem faces disruptions, leading to what’s recognized as post-flood syndrome—stunted growth and difficulty accessing essential nutrients, particularly phosphorus, vital for plant health.
Rayburn himself lost his ginger crop but felt fortunate compared to others who faced greater losses. He pointed out the contamination risks that come with flooding, particularly from septic systems, underscoring the health risks associated with consuming produce from flooded areas.
As communities begin to address the aftermath, the physical process of cleaning up becomes a monumental task. In areas like Madison County, residents confront toxic sludge rather than mere mud, necessitating protective gear for cleanup efforts. Farmers are left grappling with how to restore their fields after such calamities.
“Every situation will be different,” Rayburn noted, yet he reassured that flooding, while devastating, is a natural occurrence and recovery is possible. The current advice is to plant cover crops for a period after flooding to help restore soil vitality and mitigate contaminated pathogens.
As relief efforts continue, farmers like Mark Dempsey, who lost his home and suffered immense damage to his urban farm, are left to sift through the debris. His resilience echoed through his words as he recalled the overwhelming amount of wreckage he now faces in the wake of the storm.
Dubón’s cooperative has initiated community cleanup efforts, echoing her sentiment that recovery must take precedence over dwelling on the hardships faced. “If we stop to think of all the problems, we’ll be paralyzed,” she said.
With patience being key, Rayburn advocates for a thoughtful approach to recovery, acknowledging the emotional ties farmers have to their land. Many are still in survival mode, relying on grants and mutual aid as they contemplate their next moves.
As the community begins to recover, Smith concludes with a glimmer of optimism, sharing the sentiment that everything starts with a seed—a symbol of hope for the future, even amid the wreckage. “We hold this hope for all of us really tight,” he states. “It’s what farmers do.”
