Georgia: Three Times the Damage of Hurricane Michael
The Southeast is facing unprecedented challenges in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, including in Georgia, where we now have official estimates. The state’s agriculture commissioner has warned that poultry growers and pecan farmers will face years of recovery. Early estimates from the University of Georgia predict agricultural losses reaching $6.46 billion—nearly three times the damage caused by Hurricane Michael in 2018. The destruction impacts not only crops but also businesses and workers who support the industry, leaving thousands of Georgia farmers with an uncertain future.Meanwhile, in Florida, Hurricane Milton has also caused significant damage. The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is requesting affected producers to complete the Economic Impact Analysis Program survey. Producers can report their losses and damages at go.ufl.edu/MiltonAgImpacts or by visiting their local UF/IFAS Extension office.
They emphasize this data is essential for improving estimates of agricultural losses and aiding in disaster recovery and that your participation will help shape the future of Florida's agricultural recovery.