Nov 20, 2024

Georgia hurricane relief program started

Applications are open for Georgia growers harmed by Hurricane Helene. The Weathered But Strong fund aims to provide critical financial assistance to those in need, and growers across the affected areas are urged to apply.

The relief fund was established by the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA), in partnership with the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture and with support from more than 40 agricultural partners. The fund aims to raise $1.5 million by Dec. 31 to provide direct financial aid to those impacted by the storm. Over $1 million has already been raised, and donations will be accepted until the end of December. To make a tax-deductible donation, please visit here.

Applications are accepted through Dec. 31. Growers must submit applications online through the Support Georgia Farmers website.

“Far too many of our Georgia farm families have faced extraordinary challenges this year. The incredible generosity displayed by the individuals and organizations who have supported the Weathered But Strong relief fund has been inspiring, and I’ve been so proud to see not only the resilience of our ag community, but to see Georgians helping their fellow Georgians in their time of need,” Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper said in a news release. “I strongly encourage all eligible farmers to apply and take advantage of this support so we can build back stronger than before.”

The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture (GFA), in partnership with 40+ Weathered But Strong Ag Organizations, plans to provide disaster relief to farmers and ranchers impacted by Hurricane Helene, guided by principles of impartiality, need-based selection, and community-focused support. Aid is available to all eligible applicants, with applications evaluated based on the disaster-related financial or resource needs, prioritizing those most affected to benefit the broader community, according to the release.

Top contributors include AgGeorgia Farm Credit, Georgia Farm Bureau Insurance Company, Verizon, Kentucky Farm Bureau, AGCO Agriculture Foundation, Magnolia Loom, Georgia Farm Bureau, Georgia Power, Southern Belle Farms, Kansas Farm Bureau, Atlanta Braves Foundation, and Georgia Association of Conservation Districts.

The Weathered But Strong fund is a collaborative a collaborative fundraising effort between many organizations, including Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Dickey Farms, Fort Valley State University Cooperative Extension, Georgia 4-H Foundation, Georgia Agricultural Education, Georgia Agribusiness Council, Georgia Association of Conservation Districts, Georgia Department of Agriculture, Georgia FFA, Georgia Farm Bureau, Georgia Federal-State Inspection Service, Georgia Foundation For Agriculture, Georgia Green Industry Association, Georgia Pecan Growers Association, Georgia Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association, Georgia Wine Producers, Georgia Young Farmers Association, Lamar Pecan Co, Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, Georgia Pecan Commission, University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension.

The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture is a 501(c)(3) organization that prepares new generations of Georgia leaders for success in agriculture. The organization also supports programs that address the challenges facing agriculture and works to preserve the future of farming.

Read more about the program here.