Hurricane Helene Block Grant

The Georgia Hurricane Helene Block Grant is administered by the Georgia Department of Agriculture to assist agricultural producers impacted by Hurricane Helene. The program is specifically tailored to support farmers, ranchers, and foresters in eligible counties throughout Georgia who have suffered agricultural losses due to the hurricane. The grant is a state-managed financial relief initiative designed to help restore agricultural production capacity in the wake of natural disaster damage. The purpose of this block grant is to provide targeted financial compensation for losses tied to specific agricultural commodities and operations. Eligible loss types include timber, infrastructure, poultry, beef and dairy cattle, milk production, dairy feed, pecans, blueberries, citrus, nursery operations, and agricultural practices such as plasticulture and bare-ground systems. Each category of compensation has its own valuation structure, often based on pre-storm conditions or future lost productivity. For instance, timber losses are calculated based on pre-hurricane stand values, while tree crop losses such as pecans or blueberries are reimbursed for the long-term production value of destroyed plants. Loss minimums apply, meaning applicants must meet a threshold of damage to qualify. Applicants must complete a comprehensive application process including identification of their operation type (individual, partnership, corporation, etc.), tax identification number, physical location of farms, USDA farm number, and proof of ownership or lease agreements. Proof of interest in the land may be established using 2024 tax assessments, deeds, or lease contracts. The Georgia Department of Agriculture requires detailed documentation to support all claims, such as acreage reports, crop insurance records, veterinarian certifications, production records, and receipts tied to loss or repair expenses. This documentation ensures the verifiability and integrity of claims submitted under the block grant. The application period is scheduled to open on March 16, 2026, and will close on April 27, 2026, at midnight. There is no pre-application phase, and applications must be submitted during this six-week window. Approved applicants will receive compensation disbursements after the conclusion of the application period. The grant is not listed as recurring, and applicants are advised to prepare their supporting materials ahead of the opening date. The grant does not specify an indirect cost rate or subaward restrictions, and compensation is disbursed directly to successful applicants. This is a one-time emergency response program and not part of an annual or recurring funding cycle. Given the specificity of the eligible commodities and the geographic restriction to select Georgia counties, applicants should verify their eligibility based on location and type of agricultural loss incurred. For more information or assistance, applicants may contact the Georgia Department of Agriculture by phone at 404-656-3630 or via email at [email protected]. The application form and details can be accessed on the official program page. A program overview is available as a downloadable PDF at: https://agr.georgia.gov/sites/default/files/documents/disaster-relief/hbg-flyer-20260302.pdf