Hurricane Helene

USDA Provides Funding in Hurricane Helene Recovery Aid for Georgia Farmers

Dan Agri-Business, Economy, Funding, Georgia, USDA, USDA-FSA

Hurricane Helene
Toombs County (equipment damage) from Hurricane Helene
Courtesy of Georgia Cotton Commission
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Bulloch County (cotton damage) from Hurricane Helene
Courtesy of Georgia Cotton Commission
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced over $531 million in recovery assistance for Georgia farmers and ranchers affected by Hurricane Helene. This funding, part of the larger $30 billion disaster relief effort, aims to help agricultural producers in Georgia recover from the economic losses caused by the hurricane.

Major Financial Relief for Georgia’s Agricultural Community

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke L. Rollins, highlighted the urgent need for federal aid, noting the significant impact of Hurricane Helene on Georgia’s agricultural industry. “Farmers and ranchers in Georgia have been hit hard, and our team has worked closely with the state to provide relief quickly,” Rollins said.

The USDA’s $531 million funding will be administered through a block grant agreement with the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA), covering a range of recovery needs, including infrastructure, economic losses, and timber losses.

Collaborative Efforts to Secure Maximum Relief

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner, Tyler J. Harper, expressed his pride in the successful negotiations that secured the funding. “This funding is absolutely essential to help our farm families bounce back,” Harper said. He also thanked Secretary Rollins and the USDA for their collaborative efforts in bringing this much-needed aid to Georgia’s agricultural sector.

Block Grant Funding Under the American Relief Act

The $531 million for Georgia is part of the $30 billion disaster relief package authorized by the American Relief Act, 2025. USDA is working with 14 states, including Georgia, to implement state-specific disaster recovery programs. Once the block grant agreement is finalized, the GDA will provide additional details on how Georgia producers can access this funding.

USDA’s Additional Disaster Assistance Programs

In addition to the Hurricane Helene recovery aid, the USDA has launched several other disaster relief programs, including:

  • Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP): This program provides aid to producers who experienced losses due to weather events in 2023 and 2024.
  • Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP): USDA has issued over $1 billion in assistance to livestock producers affected by droughts, floods, and wildfires.
  • Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP): This program has provided over $9 billion to help producers manage increased input costs and falling commodity prices.
Stay Updated on USDA Disaster Assistance

Producers can track the status of their disaster assistance through the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) website, where updates on the 2023/2024 Supplemental Disaster Assistance Program are regularly posted.

Conclusion

The USDA’s $531 million in Hurricane Helene recovery aid is a crucial step in rebuilding Georgia’s agricultural sector. With continued federal support through multiple disaster relief programs, Georgia farmers and ranchers can look forward to the resources they need to recover and thrive.