Widespread storm damage reported in Georgia

Strong storms, hail, wind and torrential rain have hammered parts of Georgia over the past week. There are multiple reports of damage to Georgia fruit and vegetable production as well as row crops.

As officials work to assess the damage, the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) reminds growers to document losses with photos and data and to contact their local FSA office as soon as possible.

GFVGA is also working with its partners at the University of Georgia (UGA) Extension. Fruit and vegetable producers are encouraged to reach out to their local county agent or UGA’s Vegetable Team through Ted McAvoy, production Extension specialist at ted.mcavoy@uga.edu or 229-386-3806.

In the first steps in recovery recommended by UGA Extension, growers are urged to collect documentation. Before starting any cleanup activity, growers should make sure they take pictures of damage and losses that have occurred.

Next, contact their insurance agents. If a growers possesses crop insurance, it is recommended they contact their crop insurance agent to report losses or damages. “It is important to do this before starting any cleanup activities so that everything can be documented properly,” GFVGA officials said in a news release. “Furthermore, farmers need to notify their crop insurance agent within 72 hours of the discovery of a loss. Farmers should provide a signed, written notice within 15 days of the loss.”

For additional assistance, growers are urged to contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA). If a grower may be eligible for the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) or other disaster assistance programs, contact the local USDA FSA office. It is important to do this before starting any cleanup activities so that everything can be documented properly and a waiver can be issued before cleanup, according to the release. Click here for more information on USDA Disaster Assistance Programs.