The Impact

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, many Georgia farmers were left wondering how long they can persevere.

Hurricane Helene was incredibly destructive in the state of Georgia, but it was especially devastating for our farmers. Hurricane Helene severely damaged local infrastructure and interrupted the harvest of crops that are central to the state’s economy. Entire crops were lost overnight. Decades-old pecan trees were uprooted and lost.

Preliminary reports estimated agricultural damages from Hurricane Helene would cost Georgia’s economy billions of dollars. 

When crops are destroyed, we’re all affected. Georgia farmers help ensure we continue to have access to fresh, locally grown food and that we don’t have to rely on exports from other countries. A robust agriculture industry leads to a stronger and healthier Georgia.

Hurricane Helene was the third named storm to hit the State of Georgia in the past thirteen months, and it could not have come at a worse time for Georgia farmers and producers who were already facing economic hardship caused by inflation, high input costs, and depressed commodity prices. 

Prior to Helene, US Net Farm Income was projected to drop by $6.5 billion in 2024, following a decline of $35.6 billion in 2023.

The University of Georgia released initial estimates for each commodity, including Pecans, Poultry, Cotton, Peanuts, Citrus, Dairy Vegetables, Forestry, Beef, and more. Scroll down to find the latest estimates in the graphics below. These graphics were created to be downloaded and shared digitally to help spread awareness of the impact.

For farmers, the storm reinforced a difficult reality: agriculture depends on weather, and while they can adapt with innovation and resilience, hurricanes like Helene show just how fragile and high-risk farming can be.

It took months before the true extent of the storm’s damage became clear.

See the most recent release from Georgia Governor Brian Kemp for more