Special to the Herald

The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA), in a partnership with the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture (GFA) and in support by the Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB), has launched the Weathered but Strong: Hurricane Relief Fund to aid farmers and ranchers facing devastating losses from Hurricane Helene. The fund aims to raise $1 million by December to provide direct financial aid to those impacted by the storm.

The Weathered But Strong: Hurricane Relief Fund is a cross-industry initiative designed to assist Georgia’s farmers with recovery efforts, including damages to crops, livestock, and farm infrastructure. The campaign emphasizes resilience within the agricultural community and collaboration across the sector to ensure a strong recovery for the state's farming community.

“The Weathered But Strong Hurricane Relief Fund is a perfect example of Georgians helping Georgians in their time of need, and we’re proud to work hand-in-hand with Georgia Foundation for Agriculture and all our industry partners to get much-need relief to our farmers and producers,” said Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper.

“The damage Helene caused to our agricultural community is devastating for farm families across our state, and I strongly encourage anyone who is able to donate, to do so through the Weather But Strong Hurricane Relief Fund.

The fund will help address essential needs by covering gaps left by other forms of assistance, for efforts like repairing fences, restoring livestock operations, rebuilding essential structures, and eventually providing financial aid to those impacted.

Click on www.SupportGeorgiaFarmers.org to donate online or download the forms for check contributions.

The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture is Georgia Farm Bureau's nonprofit (501(c)(3)), and contributions to the Hurricane Relief Fund are fully tax-deductible. Donors will receive a receipt for their records. One hundred percent of funds donated will go directly to farmers and ranchers.