Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper, alongside Governor Brian P. Kemp, the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), and the Georgia Forestry Commission, recently disclosed an initial estimate of Hurricane Helene's economic impact on Georgia's agriculture at $6.46 billion. This figure encompasses direct crop losses, the effect on businesses supporting agriculture and forestry, employment losses in these sectors, and the anticipated costs of recovery and restoration for agricultural entities. Derived from projections by University of Georgia commodity analysts, Georgia Forestry Commission foresters, and a model of the Georgia state economy, this estimate is preliminary and subject to refinement as the full extent of Helene's damage becomes clearer over time.
The announcement was made in the presence of key state and federal officials, alongside representatives from the agriculture industry. Hurricane Helene, marking the third named storm to strike Georgia in the past 13 months, exacerbates the existing economic pressures on farmers and producers, including inflation, high input costs, and low commodity prices. Prior to Helene, a significant drop in US Net Farm Income was already anticipated.
Efforts are underway to secure federal aid for Georgia's farmers, aiming for a robust recovery. Governor Kemp highlighted the vital role of farmers and timber growers in the state's economy and called for collaborative relief efforts. UGA CAES Dean Nick Place emphasized the importance of supporting Georgia producers through ongoing damage assessment and recovery initiatives. Agriculture, as Georgia's leading industry, significantly contributes to the state's economy and employs a vast number of Georgians.
In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, over 40 agriculture industry organizations have established the Weathered But Strong: Georgia Hurricane Relief Fund, dedicated to aiding Georgia farmers in recovery. Contributions to the fund are earmarked entirely for relief efforts.
Source: CAES Newswire