USDA Awards $531 Million Grant to Support Agricultural Recovery in Georgia

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USDA Awards $531 Million Grant to Support Agricultural Recovery in Georgia

USDA Allocates $531 Million for Georgia Farmers Affected by Hurricane Helene

In a significant move to support agricultural recovery, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will provide over $531 million to aid Georgia agricultural producers. This funding, part of a block grant agreement with the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA), aims to help farmers and ranchers recover from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene.

Impact of Hurricane Helene on Georgia Agriculture

Hurricane Helene, which struck in 2024, has caused notable economic hardships for farmers and ranchers across Georgia. Secretary Rollins emphasized the importance of swift assistance, stating, “Farmers and ranchers in Georgia have been hit hard and suffered significant economic losses.” The USDA is prioritizing the delivery of relief to ensure producers can stabilize their operations and continue contributing to the nation’s food supply.

Collaboration Between USDA and Georgia Officials

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J. Harper expressed pride in securing the federal funding essential for impacted farmers. He noted that the collaborative efforts between the USDA and state officials were crucial in negotiating the maximum possible financial support. “I want to thank Secretary Rollins and her team at USDA FSA for understanding the urgency of the situation,” Harper said, highlighting the strong partnership formed during the recovery initiative.

Comprehensive Disaster Assistance Initiative

This federal funding is part of a broader $30 billion disaster relief effort authorized by the American Relief Act of 2025. The USDA, in conjunction with state governments, is working to implement tailored disaster recovery strategies across 14 states, including Georgia. The grant agreement aims to address future economic losses, infrastructure maintenance, and timber recovery.

Additional USDA Disaster Relief Programs

The USDA remains committed to advancing disaster relief through various initiatives established under the American Relief Act. Key programs include:

Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP): Over $1 billion has been allocated to assist livestock producers affected by drought and wildfires in 2023 and 2024, with an additional $1 billion expected for those impacted by floods.
Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP): This program has provided over $9 billion to help mitigate rising input costs and falling commodity prices for agricultural producers.
Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP): Launched in July, this two-stage program helps producers recover from losses due to severe weather events in 2023 and 2024.

Livestock producers are reminded that the application deadline for the ELRP assistance is October 31, 2025. For those interested in tracking the status of disaster assistance, the USDA’s public landing page is regularly updated and accessible through the official fsa.usda.gov website.

As Georgia farmers navigate the recovery process, the commitment of the USDA and state officials showcases a united front in addressing the challenges posed by natural disasters and ensuring the continuity of agricultural production in the state.