GFB News Magazine

USDA allocates $531 million to Ga. for Hurricane Helene block grants

Posted on November 27, 2025 4:33 AM

Photo by Jay Stone

On Sept. 30,  Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced Georgia will receive approximately $531,236,000 in federal funds for the Hurricane Helene Block Grant Program. Georgia’s Block Grant Program will cover future economic losses, infrastructure losses and timber losses caused by Hurricane Helene in Georgia’s more than 100 disaster-declared counties.

“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 Rollins. 

This funding is part of the $30 billion for agriculture that Congress passed in December 2024 and former President Biden signed into law that month to address the economic issues and disaster losses farmers suffered.

“This funding is absolutely essential to help our farm families bounce back from Hurricane Helene,” Harper said. “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.”

GDA continues to work with USDA to finalize administrative details in the state’s block grant agreement and corresponding work plan. The federal government shutdown delayed implementation of the program. Monitor www.fsa.usda.gov and www.agr.georgia.gov  for updates on how to apply.

Photo by Jennifer Whittaker