Hurricane Helene left behind an estimated $6.46 billion in damage to Georgia’s agriculture and forestry industries, according to preliminary damage assessments conducted by the Georgia Department of Agriculture, Georgia Forestry Commission and the University of Georgia.

Agriculture, Georgia’s largest industry, contributes more than $83 billion annually to the state economy, employs more than 320,000 people and supports other industries — including manufacturing, transportation and retail markets. The preliminary damage estimates for Hurricane Helene represent direct crop losses, losses to businesses and workers that support agriculture and forestry-related industries, and also include anticipated recovery and restoration costs for affected agricultural producers, according to a UGA news release.

“The future is uncertain for thousands of Georgia farmers and farm families who were devastated by Hurricane Helene,” Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper said in a statement. “We are working around the clock with state, federal and industry leaders to deliver federal aid to Georgia farmers to help them recover and bounce back stronger than before.”

To help the state’s farmers and agriculture industry recover, industry organizations have banded together to create the “Weathered But Strong: Georgia Hurricane Relief Fund.” All of the donations will help Georgia farmers recover from Hurricane Helene. 

For more information, visit: gfb.org/hurricane-relief.

No similar damage assessments were yet available for Florida, South Carolina and North Carolina, which also sustained significant damage from Hurricane Helene.

—by Matt Milkovich