Macon, Ga – The Weathered But Strong: Georgia Hurricane Relief Fund partners announced that applications are open for farmers impacted by Hurricane Helene. This fund aims to provide financial assistance to those in need. Farmers across the affected areas are urged to apply.
“Far too many of our Georgia farm families have faced extraordinary challenges this year. The incredible generosity displayed by the individuals and organizations who have supported the Weathered But Strong relief fund has been inspiring, and I’ve been so proud to see not only the resilience of our ag community, but to see Georgians helping their fellow Georgians in their time of need,” said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper. “I strongly encourage all eligible farmers to apply and take advantage of this support so we can build back stronger than before.”
“We recognize the severe impact that Hurricane Helene has had on our farming communities, and we are committed to helping our farmers rebuild and recover,” said Tom McCall, the Georgia Farm Bureau president and Georgia Foundation for Agriculture board chairman. “We encourage all eligible farmers to take advantage of this opportunity for financial relief; 100% of every penny raised will be distributed to farmers who were devastated by Helene.”
Key Information
The relief fund was established by the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA), in partnership with the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture and with support from more than 40 agricultural partners. The fund aims to raise $1.5 million by Dec. 31 to provide direct financial aid to those impacted by the storm. More than $1 million has already been raised, and donations will be accepted until the end of December. To make a tax-deductible donation, please visit: www.supportgeorgiafarmers.org.
Important Details
- Application Period: Open until Dec. 31, 2024
- Application Review Period: January 2025
- Relief Grants Payout Period: Beginning February 2025
- How to Apply: Farmers must submit their applications online through the Support Georgia Farmers website. To apply, please visit: www.supportgeorgiafarmers.org/application
Prerequisites
- Eligible farmers must hold a current valid GATE card number issued through the Georgia Department of Agriculture.
- All farming operations impacted by Hurricane Helene may apply, but priority will be given to the counties listed below that were declared to be in a disaster zone.
Designated Disaster Relief Areas: Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brantley, Brooks, Bryan, Bulloch, Burke, Butts, Camden, Candler, Charlton, Chatham, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Columbia, Cook, Dodge, Echols, Effingham, Elbert, Emanuel, Evans, Glascock, Glynn, Hancock, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Lanier, Laurens, Liberty, Lincoln, Long, Lowndes, McDuffie, McIntosh, Montgomery, Pierce, Rabun, Richmond, Screven, Stephens, Taliaferro, Tattnall, Telfair, Thomas, Tift, Toombs, Treutlen, Ware, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Wheeler, Wilkes.