U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins recently announced that approximately $531 million in block grant funding will be made available to Georgia farmers.
The aid will be available to farmers affected by Hurricane Helene who are still awaiting the promised economic relief.
Georgia House Majority Whip James Burchett (R-Waycross) applauded this announcement from Secretary Rollins and thanked the Trump Administration for understanding Georgia’s critical needs. He clarified his role in negotiating for the aid with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
“I know much-needed relief has been long overdue,” Rep. Burchett commented. “Nevertheless, since Hurricane Helene struck our communities, I’ve been in close conversations with state and federal leaders, including Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brook L. Rollins, to ensure Georgia farmers get the support they need.”
The Aid's Availability
Rep. Burchett urged Georgia farmers, ranchers, and foresters in eligible counties to apply for the block grant funding through the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA).
Eligible losses would include timber, infrastructure, poultry, beef and dairy cattle, milk, dairy feed, pecans, blueberries, citrus, nursery crops, and plasticulture or bare-ground practices.
Rep. Burchett noted that the block grant payments are designed to help farmers recover and reestablish operations and will cover losses ranging from damaged timber and destroyed crops to reduced milk and poultry production.
Applications will be accepted starting March 16, 2026, and the application deadline is April 27, 2026.
Representative Mike Collins (R-GA10) also drew attention to this announcement, posting the GDA’s application link to X and urging farmers to cash in.
The announcement has been a long time coming, following a series of frustrating delays to the aid’s rollout.
Georgia farmers, ranchers, and foresters impacted by Hurricane Helene: $531 M in federal block grant relief is coming!
Applications open March 16, 2026, and close April 27. Start gathering your documents this weekend to apply early.https://t.co/7tsf9p5gYR
— Rep. Mike Collins (@RepMikeCollins) March 14, 2026
