The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced over $531 million in disaster relief for Georgia farmers hit by Hurricane Helene, according to the announcement. Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins said the money comes through a block grant agreement with the Georgia Department of Agriculture to help producers recover from the hurricane that battered the state in 2024. The funding is part of the $30 billion disaster relief effort authorized by the American Relief Act, 2025.
President Trump’s administration is working with 14 states to develop block grants that address each state’s unique disaster recovery needs. Georgia farmers and ranchers suffered major economic losses from the storm that damaged crops, livestock, and infrastructure across rural areas.
Hurricane Helene tore through Georgia’s agricultural heartland, destroying crops ready for harvest and damaging farm buildings, equipment, and timber stands. Many farmers lost entire seasons of work and investment, leaving them struggling to pay bills and plan for future planting seasons. The state’s agriculture industry contributes billions to Georgia’s economy and supports thousands of rural jobs.
“Farmers and ranchers in Georgia have been hit hard and suffered significant economic losses during 2024,” Secretary Rollins said. “President Trump has our farmers’ backs and will ensure they have the resources they need to continue to produce the safest, most reliable, and most abundant food supply in the world.” Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J. Harper called the funding “absolutely essential to help our farm families bounce back from Hurricane Helene.” He said his team spent hundreds of hours negotiating to secure the maximum possible federal funding for the state.
USDA, Governor Brian Kemp’s office, and the Georgia Department of Agriculture are finalizing the grant agreement to cover economic losses, infrastructure damage, and timber losses. Once complete, the Georgia Department of Agriculture will release more program details.
The block grant approach lets states tailor relief programs to their specific agricultural needs rather than using one-size-fits-all federal programs.
