By Clint Thompson
Preliminary estimates for the economic impact of Hurricane Helene to Georgia agriculture topped $6 billion, according to totals released Thursday by the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES).
In a press conference that included Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper and multiple legislative leaders, UGA CAES Dean Nick Place announced initial estimates from the Sept. 27 storm are at a $6.46 billion economic impact, which includes direct and indirect losses, loss of jobs, etc. Direct impact totals were $1.8 billion.
“It’s important to ensure that all Georgians understand the impact this storm had, particularly on our state’s No. 1 industry. The impact of this storm on agriculture impacts every Georgian whether they realize it or not. We’re talking significant impacts to agriculture, like it was laid out; almost $3.2 billion between agriculture and forestry in losses. That’s the preliminary estimate. That estimate could continue to grow as we get into the harvest season this fall,” Harper said.
Impact on Specialty Crops
Georgia’s specialty crops in the hurricane affected areas were especially impacted; maybe none more than pecans. UGA announced a $138 million impact to the pecan industry. It includes $62 million to crop loss this year and $76 million in replanting costs. It is estimated that 420,000 trees were lost to the storm.
Georgia’s blueberry industry suffered a $52 million impact. There is an expected $150 million impact, however, to future quality loss.
Vegetables suffered between a $100 million and $120 million loss. About 40% of the state’s $1.2 billion industry is produced in the fall and there is an estimated 40% loss of that crop.
The citrus industry was dealt a 40% loss, amounting to $12 million.
“It truly paints the picture of how detrimental this storm was, and the impacts that this is going to have on farm families and multi-generational farm operations is devastating. We have a lot of work to do. I think that message was clear today that we’re in this together,” Harper said.