Washington, D.C. — Georgia farmers support U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff’s bipartisan push to pass agricultural disaster assistance before the end of the year.
Sen. Ossoff testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations on the urgent need to support Georgia agriculture after the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene. He pressed both parties to pass agricultural disaster assistance for Georgia before the end of the year.
The state’s specialty crop producers and industry leaders showed support for Ossoff’s plea for immediate help.
State Senator Russ Goodman, blueberry producer
“As a farmer, a rural state Senator and a Georgian, I want to take this opportunity to join in with Senator Jon Ossoff and other members of our congressional delegation in support of their efforts to pass disaster funding legislation. Food security is national security. Our farm families have been dealt a devastating blow of almost biblical proportions. They need help, we need help, our rural communities need help. It’s worth noting that we all need a farmer three times a day. We need to pass disaster legislation to ensure that our farm families stay in business, and I implore our friends in Washington to pass it before the end of this year.”
Mary Bruorton, executive director of Georgia Pecan Growers Association
“The Georgia Pecan Growers Association deeply appreciates Senator Ossoff’s unwavering efforts to expedite funding through the Senate to support our pecan growers. In recent history, there has never been a more critical moment for our industry to receive this level of assistance. We are immensely proud to witness such strong support from every level of government — thanks to the leadership of our governor, agriculture commissioner, and bipartisan leaders at the federal, state, and local levels. It is vital to emphasize that our rural counties — the backbone of American agriculture — are the areas most in need of this relief. With the pecan industry facing an unprecedented economic loss of $614 million, the time for Congress to act is now.”
Chris Butts, executive vice president of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association
“Georgia growers continue the monumental task of clean up and rebuilding after Helene. The financial impacts will be felt for generations, but we can ease the burden by delivering meaningful relief before the end of the year. We appreciate the leadership of Sen. Ossoff and the entire Georgia delegation in fighting for Georgia growers.”
Lindy Savelle, executive director of Georgia Citrus Association
“Agriculture is Georgia’s top industry, and the hardworking farmers who sustain it are facing unprecedented challenges, especially in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Senator Ossoff’s testimony today highlights the urgent need for bipartisan action to deliver disaster assistance by the end of the year. Supporting this is not just about helping farmers recover, it’s about protecting Georgia’s economy and securing the future of rural communities across our state. Congress must act swiftly to provide the relief our agricultural industry desperately needs.”
Kevin Eason, blueberry grower in Alma, Georgia
“Georgia blueberry growers appreciate Sen. Ossoff testifying before the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee about the impact of Hurricane Helene on Georgia’s agricultural industry. He and his team have viewed blueberry production and bush losses across the state. This has impacted thousands of families and the economies of rural communities. Sen. Ossoff personalized the impact, and every state and federal official that has toured the areas hit by the hurricane understand just how personal these losses are. We support the senator’s efforts to get agricultural disaster assistance approved before Congress wraps up this session.”