ATLANTA (WJBF) – It’s been one year since Hurricane Helene tore through Georgia, leaving behind nearly $6 billion in damage.
Of the state’s nearly 40,000 farms, about 25,000 suffered crop losses or farmland destruction, with agriculture and forestry hit the hardest.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture said federal block grants are in the final review stages with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper said aid is beginning to reach producers, but more relief is still tied up in Washington.
“We’ve already witnessed $100 billion being dispersed in Georgia, and it continues to be distributed daily,” Harper mentioned. “We hope to announce very soon the amount we’ll be receiving here in Georgia and the work we’re undertaking to keep that progressing.”
The state has also contributed its support, raising over $300 million in low-interest loans and grants for forestry landowners and agricultural operations. Private fundraising efforts have accumulated nearly $1.8 million, which has already been distributed to farm families.
Harper said timber suffered the greatest losses, but poultry, pecans, row crops, beef, dairy, fruits and vegetables also faced heavy damage.
Nonetheless, farmers caution that their resources are depleting as the rising costs of fuel, equipment, and labor continue to increase, accumulating nearly $250 million in additional expenses over the past three years.
The state indicated it is about six months ahead of the schedule for Hurricane Michael recovery efforts. Once USDA approves its plans, Georgia officials will distribute block grants directly to farm families across the state.
