Warnock, Ossoff Secure More Than $531 Million in Hurricane Helene Federal Relief for Georgia Farmers

Senators Reverend Warnock and Ossoff's continued advocacy for Georgia farmers and producers impacted by the 2024 hurricane has secured more than $531 million in federal funding for the state

Georgia's Hurricane Helene Block Grant Program will help farmers, ranchers, and foresters in eligible counties that have suffered losses in timber, infrastructure, poultry, beef cattle, dairy cattle, milk loss, dairy feed loss, pecans, blueberries, citrus, nursery, plasticulture, and bare ground practices due to Hurricane Helene

Eligible parties can apply for assistance via the Georgia Department of Agriculture

The funding announcement comes after months of bipartisan efforts led by Senator Warnock to aid Georgia producers impacted by the devastating storm

Senator Reverend Warnock: "This announcement is welcome news for the Georgia producers and farmers that have been forced to wait far too long for this desperately needed relief"

Senator Ossoff: "I am glad Georgia farmers are getting the help they've long deserved"

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), a key member of the Senate Agriculture committee, and U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA), announced more than $531 million in federal disaster aid relief for Georgia producers and farmers that suffered losses as a result of Hurricane Helene. The block grant funding comes nearly two years after Hurricane Helene struck large portions of South and East-Central Georgia and months after bipartisan appeals to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for distribution of the desperately needed funds.

"This announcement is welcome news for the Georgia producers and farmers that have been forced to wait far too long for this desperately needed relief," said Senator Warnock. "I'm glad to see that the application for these block grants will open in the coming weeks."

"Less than 90 days after Hurricane Helene devastated Georgia agriculture, Senator Warnock and I passed disaster funding for Georgia farmers," said Senator Ossoff."Now, over a year late, USDA is finally getting those funds to Georgia farmers. I am glad Georgia farmers are getting the help they've long deserved."

Georgia's agriculture and forestry industries were left reeling in Helene's wake, with approximately one-third of the state's pecan and cotton crops destroyed, over 100 poultry houses damaged or destroyed, and 1.5 million acres of timber damaged or destroyed. All told, Georgia's agricultural economy faces an unprecedented estimated $5.5 billion in total damages because of Helene. Most tragically, more than 250 individuals - including 37 Georgians - lost their lives due to the storm's devastation.

Since coming to Congress, Senator Warnock has continuously worked to provide and strengthen federal support for communities impacted by extreme weather events and has championed legislation to help Georgians defend against the worst consequences of severe weather. In March 2025, Senator Warnock led a group of bipartisan lawmakers in a letter to USDA to expedite disaster assistance to Georgia farmers impacted by Hurricane Helene. Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and members of the Georgia Congressional Delegation also supported the effort.

The Georgia Hurricane Helene Block Grant Program will begin accepting applications on March 16^th, 2026. The application will remain open for six weeks, closing at midnight on April 27^th, 2026. The application, eligibility requirements, guidance documents, and additional details can be found here.

###