USDA Unveils $531 Million Grant to Aid Georgia Farmers in Recovering Agricultural Losses

Georgia Farmers Receive Critical Aid as USDA Awards $531 Million for Hurricane Helene Recovery

USDA Allocates Emergency Funds to Georgia Farmers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a significant financial package aimed at supporting Georgia’s agricultural community in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Over $531 million will be directed to agricultural producers through a block grant, as confirmed by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. This initiative is part of the larger relief efforts stemming from the American Relief Act, 2025.

Key Support for Farmers and Ranchers

Farmers and ranchers in Georgia experienced substantial economic losses in 2024 due to the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene. Secretary Rollins emphasized the quick response and collaboration with the State of Georgia to facilitate the recovery process. “This financial assistance ensures that our farmers have the necessary resources to continue producing the safest and most reliable food supply globally,” she stated.

Partnership with State of Georgia and Governor Kemp

Tyler J. Harper, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner, announced the federal funding, praising the efforts put into securing this crucial relief. Harper highlighted the dedication of the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) team in negotiating the maximum possible funding. “This is a vital step in helping our farm families bounce back,” Harper noted. The block grant will address economic, infrastructure, and timber losses, finalized in collaboration with USDA and the office of Governor Brian Kemp.

Broader USDA Disaster Assistance Initiatives

The block grant for Georgia is a part of the $30 billion disaster assistance relief effort authorized by the American Relief Act, 2025. The USDA is collaborating with 14 states, including Georgia, to create tailored recovery programs. Additional information will be released by GDA once the grant agreement is finalized.

Supplemental Disaster Relief Programs Expand

In complement to the block grant, the USDA has launched Stage 1 of the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) to address losses from weather-related events in 2023 and 2024. The program aims to compensate farmers for revenue, quality, or production losses.

• The Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) has distributed over $1 billion to livestock producers impacted by droughts and wildfires.
• Future payments are expected to reach an additional $1 billion for those affected by floods and wildfires on non-federally managed lands.
• The Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) has provided $9 billion to counteract increased input costs and declining commodity prices.

Producers have until October 31, 2025, to apply for supplemental assistance. For ongoing updates, stakeholders can visit the USDA’s Supplemental Disaster Assistance public landing page accessible at fsa.usda.gov.

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