Governor Brian Kemp joined Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper, Georgia Forestry Commission Director Johnny Sabo, UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences Dean Nick Place, and Congressmen Austin Scott, Sanford Bishop, and Buddy Carter to provide an update on agricultural damage in the state in the wake of Hurricane Helene.
They urged for swift action from those on the federal level to provide relief to hurting farming families, including block grants like those provided following Hurricane Michael in 2018.
"Following the immense losses caused by Hurricane Helene, and with Hurricane Milton possibly bringing further impacts to our state, I'm urging all of our local, state, and federal partners to join efforts in bringing them relief,” said Governor Kemp. “That's why we're calling on the federal government and Congress to act quickly in appropriating relief funds and helping them rebuild their livelihoods."
A preliminary report estimates the losses will cost Georgia’s economy at least $6.46 billion. That figure includes direct crop losses, losses to supporting business, losses to workers, and the estimated recovery and restoration costs.
Agriculture is Georgia’s No. 1 industry – contributing more than $83 billion to the state’s economy on an annual basis and employing more than 320,000 Georgians. The newly created Weathered but Strong: Georgia Hurricane Relief Fund is raising donations for farmers. For more information, visit, www.supportgeogiafarmers.org.
