Georgia farmers are reeling from the impacts of Hurricane Helene, which tore through the state on September 26, leaving behind an estimated $6.46 billion in agricultural damages. The preliminary estimate, released by the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agriculture & Environmental Science (CAES), accounts for direct crop losses, business disruptions, worker impacts, and recovery costs across the agricultural and forestry sectors.
This figure underscores the severe blow dealt to Georgia’s economy, which heavily relies on its agricultural sector. Agriculture is the state’s leading industry, contributing over $83 billion annually and employing more than 320,000 Georgians.
“We depend on our farmers and timber growers to provide the food and fibers we use every day and that drives our economy as part of Georgia’s No. 1 industry,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “Following the immense losses caused by Hurricane Helene, and with Hurricane Milton possibly bringing further impacts to our state, I’m urging all of our local, state, and federal partners to join efforts in bringing them relief.”
An ‘uncertain’ future
At a press conference on Oct. 10, Gov. Kemp, joined by state Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper, Georgia Forestry Commission Director Johnny Sabo, UGA CAES Dean Nick Place, and Congressmen Austin Scott, Sanford Bishop, and Buddy Carter, appealed for swift federal aid. They emphasized the need for block grants, similar to those provided after Hurricane Michael in 2018, to help farmers recover.
Commissioner Harper echoed the Governor’s sentiments, stating, “Right now, the future is uncertain for thousands of Georgia farmers and farm families who were devastated by Hurricane Helene. We are working around the clock with state, federal, and industry leaders to deliver federal aid to Georgia farmers to help them recover and bounce back stronger than before.”
Hurricane Helene, the third named storm to hit Georgia in the past year, has compounded the challenges faced by farmers already grappling with inflation, high input costs, and depressed commodity prices. Prior to Helene, US Net Farm Income was projected to drop by $6.5 billion in 2024, following a decline of $35.6 billion in 2023.
The Weathered But Strong: Georgia Hurricane Relief Fund, a collaborative effort between over 40 agricultural organizations, is actively supporting farmers impacted by the storm. Donations to the fund will be used to aid in their recovery.
To support the relief efforts, individuals and organizations can contribute to the fund through its website at www.supportgeorgiafarmers.org.
