Georgia Begins to Assess Agricultural Damage From Hurricane Helene

The damage assessment to Georgia’s ag economy from Hurricane Helene is still in the initial phase. However, preliminary estimates are staggering.

The Georgia Department of Agriculture reports one-third of the state’s cotton crop is a total loss. Almost 30% of the peanut crop has been wiped out and 50,000 pecan orchards were severely damaged. Four million acres of timberland have been affected and over 200 chicken houses were damaged.

Senator Jon Ossof said he would not be surprised if the damage to Georgia agriculture exceeds $1 billion. Thirty-four members of Georgia’s congressional delegation signed a letter to House and Senate leaders urging federal aid as soon as damage estimates are finalized.

Read more on the initial estimates of agricultural damage due to Hurricane Helene here.