USDA Undersecretary Robert Bonnie said farmers in the states hardest hit by Hurricane Helene have approximately 20,000 crop insurance policies. These represent about $7 billion in total liability. Crops impacted by the storm include corn, soybeans, cotton, peanuts and orchards. The policies will help producers recover a percentage of the lost income from these crops.

The USDA plans to streamline documentation for some disaster and recovery programs. This includes removing some environmental requirements and paperwork to assist farmers with livestock, orchards and uninsured crops. In addition to crop losses, dozens of poultry houses have been knocked down.

The USDA offers emergency loans for producers in counties designated as disaster areas. The agency is also prepared to handle supplemental aid if Congress passes a package.

Farm Service Agency (FSA) officials are currently contending with lost power and staff who were affected by the storms. The USDA is providing “surge staff” to help. The USDA has also sent members of the Forest Service to help with tree removal.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reported that 3,500 federal employees are on the ground in storm-damaged areas. They are providing rescue assistance, food and housing needs.

Read more on the federal response to Hurricane Helene here.