USDA provides $531 million in Hurricane Helene recovery assistance to Georgia producers

Key Takeaways:

• USDA announced $531 million in recovery assistance to Georgia farmers impacted by Hurricane Helene.
• The funding will be delivered through a block grant administered by the Georgia Department of Agriculture.
• USDA Secretary Brooke L. Rollins said the relief reflects the administration’s commitment to supporting producers.
• Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J. Harper emphasized the importance of securing maximum federal support.
• The program is part of a larger $30 billion disaster relief effort under the American Relief Act, 2025.

USDA recovery package for Georgia producers

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced that the USDA will provide more than $531 million in Congressionally mandated recovery assistance to agricultural producers in Georgia impacted by Hurricane Helene. The funding will be administered through a block grant agreement with the Georgia Department of Agriculture.

“Farmers and ranchers in Georgia have been hit hard and suffered significant economic losses during 2024,” said Secretary Rollins. “Our team has worked closely with the State of Georgia to ensure those impacted have the relief they need in record time.”

State-level administration and support

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J. Harper confirmed that the state will manage the Hurricane Helene Block Grant Program to deliver aid directly to producers.

“I am incredibly proud to announce the State of Georgia will receive $531,000,000 in federal funding to provide much-needed relief,” said Commissioner Harper. “This funding is absolutely essential to help our farm families bounce back from Hurricane Helene.”

Part of a national disaster assistance initiative

The USDA recovery program is part of the $30 billion disaster assistance package authorized under the American Relief Act, 2025. USDA is coordinating with 14 states, including Georgia, to design state-specific block grants.

According to USDA, the forthcoming grant agreement with Georgia will address future economic losses as well as infrastructure and timber damage. Additional program details will be released by the Georgia Department of Agriculture once finalized.