RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Farmers hurt by the drought can now tap into a $6 million fund to help them recover and prepare for the upcoming growing season.

Farm advocacy groups and state officials on Tuesday announced a program that could help more than 1,000 farmers restore pastures, construct new farm ponds and drill wells. Grants will be distributed to cover 75 percent of the costs.

The money will come from the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund, which receives money from the national tobacco settlement. The state Agriculture Department is sending out 60,000 letters to farmers and others letting them know about the program.

Lawmakers said they will seek another $6 million when the General Assembly reconvenes next month.