More than a month after Hurricane Helene, Georgia citrus growers are assessing the storm’s impact on their crops. According to Executive Director of the Georgia Citrus Association Lindy Savelle, many trees were pushed over, but the fruit largely held on.

This was due to the timing of the storm. The damage could have been worse if the hurricane hit later in the season when the fruit was riper. Despite heavy leaf loss, most fruit remains intact.

Helene caused an estimated $6 billion in agricultural damage statewide. The citrus industry faces a 40% loss, totaling $12 million. The high winds split trees, especially those bearing heavy fruit loads. Helene was the third hurricane in 13 months to affect the area. It followed Hurricane Debby in August 2024 and Hurricane Idalia in August 2023.

Savelle notes that many young trees have been repeatedly pushed over, prompting growers to consider replacing them rather than standing them back up.

Read more on the Georgia citrus outlook following Hurricane Helene here.