By Clint Thompson
Disaster relief remains a significant issue for Georgia’s specialty crop producers still reeling from major storms, including Hurricane Helene last fall. Fruit and vegetable farmers were pummeled by the storm when it moved through the region as a major hurricane in late September.
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins testified before the House Ag Committee on Wednesday about a plethora of topics impacting farmers across the country. Rep. Austin Scott (GA-08) asked Rollins about the status of the block grants which will fund relief for those impacted by the storms.
“The block grants are moving forward. Georgia has been at the front of the line. They have been extremely efficient. Their leadership has been great; (Ag Commissioner) Tyler Harper and the whole team there. We’ve met with your team from Georgia four different times. That money is likely to move in the next week or two,” Rollins said.
Block grant funding has been utilized in the past and will once again be advantageous for Southeast producers. It is a much faster system for the funds to be expedited to the growers.
Helene’s Financial Toll
University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Dean Nick Place announced initial damage estimates following Hurricane Helene was a $6.46 billion economic impact, which included direct and indirect losses, loss of jobs, etc. Georgia’s specialty crops in the hurricane affected areas were especially impacted.
Georgia’s blueberry industry suffered a $52 million impact following Hurricane Helene. An additional $150 million impact could also be realized with future quality losses.
UGA announced a $138 million impact to the pecan industry. It includes $62 million in crop loss and $76 million in replanting costs. It is estimated that 420,000 trees were lost in the storm.
Georgia 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. The citrus industry had a 40% loss, amounting to $12 million.