USDA Allocates Over $531 Million to Support Georgia Farmers Affected by Hurricane Helene

(Washington, D.C., September 30, 2025) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a substantial funding initiative to assist agricultural producers in Georgia who faced catastrophic losses due to Hurricane Helene. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke L. Rollins, confirmed that more than $531 million will be distributed through a block grant agreement with the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA).

The Urgency of Assistance

“Farmers and ranchers in Georgia have been hit hard and suffered significant economic losses during 2024. Our team has worked closely with the State of Georgia to ensure those impacted have the relief they need in record time,” stated Secretary Rollins. “President Trump stands firmly with our farmers and is committed to providing the necessary resources to guarantee a safe, reliable, and abundant food supply in America.”

Acknowledgment from State Officials

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner, Tyler J. Harper, expressed gratitude for the federal support. “I am incredibly proud to announce that Georgia will receive $531 million in federal funding through Georgia’s Hurricane Helene Block Grant Program. This funding is essential for helping our farm families recover,” Harper said. He emphasized the extensive negotiations that took place to secure this vital funding and praised the strong collaboration with USDA.

Backing Under the American Relief Act

This funding is part of a larger $30 billion disaster assistance effort authorized by the American Relief Act of 2025. The USDA is collaborating with 14 states, including Georgia, to tailor block grants that address specific recovery needs post-disaster.

Plans for Grant Implementation

The USDA, along with Governor Brian Kemp’s office and GDA, is finalizing a grant agreement aimed at covering economic losses, infrastructure repairs, and timber losses incurred due to the hurricane. More information on the programs will be available once the agreement is finalized.

Overview of Additional USDA Disaster Assistance

In addition to the recent funding, the USDA is committed to continuing the disaster assistance programs initiated under the American Relief Act of 2025. On July 10, Secretary Rollins introduced Stage 1 of the two-stage Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) aimed at helping producers who faced revenue decreases and crop production issues due to adverse weather in 2023 and 2024.

To date, over $1 billion has been distributed through the Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) to assist livestock producers affected by drought and wildfires. An additional $1 billion is planned for producers impacted by flooding and other challenges. Deadlines for relief applications, including for the ELRP, are set for October 31, 2025.

Moving Forward

USDA is also rolling out the second tranche of the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP), which has already provided over $9 billion to help agricultural producers navigate rising input costs and declining commodity prices. For ongoing updates regarding USDA disaster assistance, visit the 2023/2024 Supplemental Disaster Assistance public landing page, which is regularly updated and accessible via fsa.usda.gov.

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