The U.S. Senate has approved a $21 billion disaster relief fund to help Georgia farmers recover from the damage caused by Hurricane Helene. This includes $10 billion in economic assistance to support farmers struggling with tough market conditions, rising costs, and cheap imports.
Senator Jon Ossoff, who worked with lawmakers from both parties on this effort, said his team has been in close contact with farmers and ranchers across Georgia, especially after orchards and crops were destroyed by the hurricane.
Agriculture is Georgia’s top industry, Ossoff said. Rural Georgia depends on it for survival. If family farms go under, entire rural communities suffer, and public services like infrastructure and safety can’t be funded.
Ossoff explained that the Department of Agriculture will decide whether Georgia will receive a block grant or if farmers will get direct payments. The amount of money distributed will depend on how many farmers apply for the funds.