USDA allocates nearly $570 million to cover agricultural losses in Georgia and South Carolina

Just a day before a lack of bipartisan consensus triggered a government shutdown, US Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced two aid packages aimed to support recovery efforts in the states of Georgia and South Carolina after Hurricane Helene. 

As part of the disaster assistance provided by the American Relief Act of 2025, the USDA is providing more than $531 million to Georgia agricultural producers through a block grant agreement with the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA). The South Carolina Department of Agriculture, on the other hand, will receive a block grant of $38.3 million with the same purpose. 

“Farmers and ranchers in Georgia have been hit hard and suffered significant economic losses during 2024,” said Secretary Rollins. “Our team has worked closely with the State of Georgia to ensure those impacted have the relief they need in record time.”

Meanwhile, Hugh Weathers, South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture, emphasized that his sector and the forestry industry are essential to the state’s economy and security. He thanked Secretary Rollins and her staff for their collaboration. 

“South Carolina’s farmers and forest landowners have worked tirelessly to recover from Helene’s devastation, and this funding will close crucial gaps to assure a future for their businesses,” he said. 

How to access USDA funds

In the case of South Carolina, the SCDA will administer a program covering infrastructure and timber losses. This initiative will also cover future economic and market losses stemming from the damage caused by Hurricane Helene. 

The local agency has finalized a grant agreement with the USDA that will cover qualifying losses not addressed by the agency’s other disaster programs. Producers should look for additional information available through the SCDA.

Those affected in the state of Georgia, on the other hand, will have to wait, as the USDA, 

the state governor’s office, and the GDA are still finalizing a grant agreement. Once the document is signed, additional program information will be available through the GDA.

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