Farmers in Georgia and South Carolina assess crop damage.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has revealed a $16 billion relief package aimed at supporting farmers in Georgia and South Carolina affected by recent natural disasters. The Supplemental Disaster Relief Program will help those with crop losses from 2023 and 2024. Assistance will be delivered in two stages, with significant funds allocated to each state. Local farmers are urged to apply for assistance through their local Farm Service Agency offices. The program aims to provide vital support during these challenging times for agriculture.
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a substantial relief package totaling $16 billion aimed at assisting farmers in Georgia and South Carolina who were impacted by natural disasters. This financial aid is designed specifically for those who experienced eligible crop losses stemming from disasters in 2023 and 2024.
Eligible farmers can apply for this assistance through the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP). Distribution of the funds and assistance will be enacted in a two-stage process, with the first stage targeted at farmers who previously received aid through crop insurance or the Non-Insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program during the affected years. Sign-ups for this initial stage will commence at local Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices on Thursday.
The second stage will accommodate farmers facing shallow or uncovered losses, with sign-ups scheduled for early fall. Under the SDRP, recipients must secure federal crop insurance or Non-Insured Crop Disaster (NAP) coverage for a minimum of 60% coverage over the next two growing seasons. If farmers fail to comply and do not obtain the necessary insurance, they will be required to repay the SDRP payments with interest.
South Carolina is set to receive nearly $50 million in assistance as per the information shared by Senator Lindsey Graham. Meanwhile, specifics regarding the financial aid for Georgia farmers have yet to be disclosed. Georgia’s Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper has expressed his appreciation for the USDA’s prompt action regarding relief funding following Hurricane Helene.
In light of the recent challenges faced by farmers, Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns has urged President Trump to extend the FEMA application deadline for Hurricane Helene relief. He underscored the critical situation for many farmers in Georgia, who are navigating an uncertain future without sufficient assistance for this growing season.
Local farmers continue to face numerous challenges, including damaged irrigation systems and crops deemed unsalvageable. A report from Augusta Locally Grown highlighted that 25% of local farmers are still grappling with the aftermath of catastrophic damages stemming from recent disasters.
In response to ongoing agricultural needs, the Georgia Financing and Investment Commission has approved the reallocation of $100 million to the Georgia Development Authority, intended to provide financial assistance to farmers and timber producers in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Out of this funding, $75 million will be allocated for disaster relief loans tailored for the agricultural sector, while $25 million will assist with cleanup efforts related to timber.
Additionally, the USDA has awarded a $500,000 grant to Augusta Locally Grown to support business initiatives aimed at expanding operations for farmers in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA). This program is planned to support various agricultural and entrepreneurial services for beginner farmers, including training and business coaching.
As part of the disaster response effort, a Portable Loan Outreach Center established by the Small Business Administration will open in Richmond County, offering vital assistance to homeowners and businesses affected by Hurricane Helene.
The programming facilitated by Augusta Locally Grown is set to commence in December 2024 and is slated to continue through December 2027, aiming to bolster local agricultural resilience.
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