In the wake of devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, more than 40 agriculture organizations joined forces to establish a relief fund for farmers whose livelihoods were upended by the storm. With overwhelming support from hundreds of donors, the fund successfully raised $1,774,282 in just three months, providing vital aid to those who sustain our communities with locally grown food and fiber.
The “Weathered But Strong: Hurricane Relief Fund for Georgia Farmers” will provide direct assistance for agricultural losses, including damages to crops, livestock, and farm infrastructure that is not covered under insurance. 100% of the funds raised will be distributed directly to affected farmers, ensuring swift and meaningful support. Farmers were encouraged to apply for funds and checks will be distributed based on needs outlined in their applications.
The relief effort was spearheaded by the Georgia Department of Agriculture and the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture, which facilitated the collection of all donations and will be coordinating the distribution of the funds.
“The overwhelming support we saw for this fund is a testament to the deep appreciation and respect that people hold for Georgia farmers,” said Lily Baucom, the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture’s Executive Director. “Donations poured in from individuals, businesses, and major philanthropists over the course of three months, underscoring the shared recognition of the critical role farmers play in ensuring food security and economic stability.”
“For farm families impacted by Hurricane Helene, the Weathered But Strong Fund represents more than just financial relief – it represents the generosity and kindness of our fellow Georgians who had our farmers’ backs during their time of need. That means the world to our Ag Community, and I’m grateful to everyone who was a part of this effort,” said Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tyler Harper.
The relief fund was made possible by more than 40 influential organizations dedicated to promoting agriculture, including Georgia Farm Bureau.“With an estimated impact of $5.5 billion in agriculture damages, Georgia’s farmers will feel the pain of this event for years to come,” said Georgia Farm Bureau President Tom McCall. “The relief fund won’t make farmers whole, but it will help and will also send a powerful message to our farmers that their community supports them.”
For more information on the relief fund and how you can continue to support local farmers, visit www.SupportGeorgia-Farmers.org.
Organizers expressed thanks to all donors and partner organizations for their generosity and commitment. See the full list of donors at https://gfb.ag/wbsfulldonorlist.
The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture is a 501(c)(3) organization that prepares the next generation of Georgia agricultural leaders supports programs addressing challenges facing agriculture.
Donations to the Weathered But Strong: Hurricane Relief Fund go to the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture and are tax-deductible under IRS 170(b)(A)(VI). Learn more at GAFoundationAg.org.
