Georgia Farmers to Receive $531 Million in Hurricane Helene Relief, Warnock and Ossoff Announce

GEORGIA (WTOC) - Georgia farmers impacted by Hurricane Helene will receive more than $531 million in federal disaster relief, according to U.S. Senators Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff.

The funding will be distributed through the Georgia Hurricane Helene Block Grant Program, which will help farmers, ranchers, and foresters recover losses from the 2024 storm. Eligible producers include those impacted in timber, poultry, cattle, dairy, pecans, blueberries, citrus, nursery crops, and agricultural infrastructure.

“This announcement is welcome news for the Georgia producers and farmers that have been forced to wait far too long for this desperately needed relief,” Warnock said.

Ossoff said the funding will help farmers continue recovering from the devastating storm.

Hurricane Helene caused an estimated $5.5 billion in agricultural damage, destroying about one-third of Georgia’s pecan and cotton crops, damaging more than 100 poultry houses, and impacting 1.5 million acres of timber.

Farmers who qualify can apply through the Georgia Department of Agriculture. Applications open March 16 and will remain open for six weeks, closing April 27.

Farmers can apply online through the state’s Hurricane Helene Block Grant Program portal.

The link is : agr.georgia.gov/hurricane-helene-block-grant