Georgia Department of Agriculture Releases Preparation Document for Hurricane Helene Disaster Relief
The Georgia Department of Agriculture has released a preparation document to help producers get ready for the upcoming Hurricane Helene Disaster Relief Block Grant Program. While the official application period has not yet been announced, the document is intended to ensure farmers, ranchers, and foresters are prepared once the program opens, pending final approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tyler Harper emphasized the extensive work that has gone into developing the program and maximizing federal support for the state’s agricultural community. He said, “Georgia’s Hurricane Helene Block Grant Program will be opening soon. We have invested thousand of hours into this process to ensure we brought the maximum amount of federal aid to our state and to ensure the application process moves as quickly and efficiently as possible for impacted producers. We look forward to announcing the opening of the application period and more program details pending final approval from USDA.”
According to the Georgia Department of Agriculture, the disaster relief program is designed to assist producers in eligible counties who experienced losses due to Hurricane Helene. The department stated that “Georgia farmers, ranchers and foresters in eligible counties that have suffered losses in timber, infrastructure, poultry, beef cattle, dairy cattle, milk loss, dairy feed loss, pecans, blueberries, citrus, nursery, plasticulture and bare ground practices due to Hurricane Helene may apply for assistance to the Georgia Department of Agriculture.”
The preparation document outlines key information producers will need before applying. This includes general application questions, typical documentation required to verify losses, a list of eligible counties, and examples of supporting documents that may be requested during the review process. By releasing this guidance ahead of time, the department aims to reduce delays and help applicants move through the process more efficiently once applications officially open.
Although the application window has not yet been formally announced, the department underscored that additional details are forthcoming. The Georgia Department of Agriculture noted, “The application period and other additional details will be provided pending USDA approval.”
Producers impacted by Hurricane Helene are encouraged to review the preparation document carefully and begin gathering necessary records, photographs, and financial documentation related to storm-related losses. Doing so may help speed up application review once the program launches.
The Hurricane Helene Block Grant Program represents a significant step in Georgia’s recovery efforts, providing targeted assistance to agricultural producers who suffered extensive damage. As USDA approval nears, state officials say they remain focused on delivering relief quickly and effectively to Georgia’s farming, ranching, and forestry communities.
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.