Ag News

USDA allocates $531 million to Georgia for Helene block grants

On Sept. 30, just after the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper and United States Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced that the state of Georgia will receive approximately $531,236,000 in federal funds for the Hurricane Helene Block Grant Program. The USDA Block Grant funds to be administered by the state of Georgia will cover future economic losses, infrastructure losses, and timber losses caused by Hurricane Helene.

“I am incredibly proud to announce the state of Georgia will receive $531,236,000 in federal funding to provide much-needed relief to impacted farmers and producers through Georgia’s Hurricane Helene Block Grant Program,” Harper said. “This funding is absolutely essential to help our farm families bounce back from Hurricane Helene, and our team invested hundreds of hours into the negotiation process to secure the maximum possible amount of federal funding for our state and our producers.”

“Farmers and ranchers in Georgia have been hit hard and suffered significant economic losses during 2024. USDA is working closely with the state of Georgia to ensure those impacted have the relief they need,” said USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins.

GDA continues to work with USDA to finalize administrative details in the state’s block grant agreement and corresponding work plan. The GDA had an announcement on its website indicating the shutdown is expected to delay implementation of the block grant program. More details about the program and how to apply will be forthcoming.

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