Hurricane Recovery Doesn't End When the Storm Passes

With communities across the Southeast still cleaning up from Hurricane Isaias, we're getting another reminder of just how long recovery from a major storm can take.

In Georgia, farmers are only now reaching another milestone in their recovery from Hurricane Helene, which struck more than two years ago.

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper announced last week that award amounts have been calculated for traditional agricultural commodities covered by the state's Hurricane Helene Block Grant.

Approved applicants are receiving funding agreements by email, outlining their award amounts and how those decisions were made.

So, if you applied for assistance, check your email. Harper is encouraging producers to return their signed agreements as quickly as possible so relief funds can begin moving.

The assistance covers losses involving poultry, beef and dairy cattle, pecans, blueberries, citrus, nurseries, and agricultural infrastructure, among other categories.

Timber applications remain under review, with the department prioritizing those more complex claims.