Following the first anniversary of Hurricane Helene, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper and U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke L. Rollins have announced that the State of Georgia will receive approximately $531,236,000 in federal funds for the Hurricane Helene Block Grant Program.
Georgia’s Block Grant Program will cover future economic losses, infrastructure losses, and timber losses caused by Hurricane Helene. The State will continue to work with the USDA to finalize administrative details in the state’s block grant agreement and collaborate on work plan agreements.
“This funding is absolutely essential to help our farm families bounce back from Hurricane Helene, and our team invested hundreds of hours into the negotiation process to secure the maximum possible amount of federal funding for our state and our producers,” Commissioner Harper commented.
He also expressed gratitude towards Secretary Rollins and the USDA for working so hard to finalize this collaboration.
“I want to thank Sec. Brooke Rollins and her team at USDA FSA for understanding the urgency of the situation and their strong partnership and collaboration throughout this process, and I look forward to continuing to work with the Trump Administration to deliver real results for Georgia farmers,” he expressed.
Rollins commented on the harsh losses faced by farmers and ranchers in Georgia and ensured that they would all receive the aid that they needed. “The Trump Administration has our farmers' backs and will ensure they have the resources they need to continue to produce the safest, most reliable, and most abundant food supply in the world,” she stated.
Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones (R) celebrated this development on X and congratulated Harper for this achievement.
Today is a big win for Georgia families and farmers!
Thank you to @AgCommHarperGA, @GADeptAg, and Chairman @RussGoodman8 for their leadership in securing $531 million in block grant relief for communities impacted by Hurricane Helene.
Our number 1 industry continues to be…
— Lt. Governor Burt Jones (@LtGovJonesGA) September 30, 2025
Governor Brian Kemp (R) also congratulated Harper, calling it great news for Georgia’s top industry.
Great news for Georgia’s farming families and our No. 1 industry!
Commissioner Harper and his @GADeptAg team worked hard on this deal to bring home the maximum possible amount of federal relief. This will cover as many Georgia farmers as possible, and I’m thankful for their…
— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) September 30, 2025
