Ag News

Weathered But Strong campaign raises more than $1.7 million

In the wake of devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, more than 40 agriculture organizations joined forces to establish a relief fund for farmers whose livelihoods were upended by the storm. With overwhelming support from hundreds of donors, the fund successfully raised $1,774,282 in just three months, providing vital aid to those who sustain our communities with locally grown food and fiber.

The “Weathered But Strong: Hurricane Relief Fund for Georgia Farmers” will provide direct assistance for agricultural losses, including damages to crops, livestock, and farm infrastructure that is not covered under insurance. 100% of the funds raised are being distributed directly to affected farmers, ensuring swift and meaningful support. Farmers were encouraged to apply for funds from mid-November to Dec. 31, 2024.  Checks being distributed are based on needs outlined in their applications.

The relief effort was spearheaded by the Georgia Department of Agriculture and the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture, which facilitated the collection of all donations and is coordinating the distribution of the funds.

“The overwhelming support we saw for this fund is a testament to the deep appreciation and respect that people hold for Georgia farmers,” said Lily Baucom, the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture’s executive director. “Donations poured in from individuals, businesses, and major philanthropists over the course of three months, underscoring the shared recognition of the critical role farmers play in ensuring food security and economic stability.”

“For farm families impacted by Hurricane Helene, the Weathered But Strong Fund represents more than just financial relief – it represents the generosity and kindness of our fellow Georgians who had our farmers’ backs during their time of need. That means the world to our Ag Community, and I’m grateful to everyone who was a part of this effort,” said Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tyler Harper.

The relief fund was made possible by more than 40 influential organizations dedicated to promoting agriculture, including Georgia Farm Bureau.

“With an estimated impact of $5.5 billion in agriculture damages, Georgia’s farmers will feel the pain of this event for years to come,” said Georgia Farm Bureau President Tom McCall. “The relief fund won’t make farmers whole, but it will help and will also send a powerful message to our farmers that their community supports them.”

For more information on the relief fund and how you can continue to support local farmers, visit www.SupportGeorgiaFarmers.org.

The organizers express heartfelt thanks to all donors and partner organizations for their generosity and commitment. A special thanks to those donors who gave more than $10,000:

Anonymous Family Foundation

Georgia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company

AgGeorgia Farm Credit

Verizon

Loyce & Annette Turner Foundation

AgCo Agriculture Foundation

We Care by Zyn

Kentucky Farm Bureau

AgSouth Farm Credit ACA

Georgia Farm Bureau Federation

Georgia Power

Magnolia Loom

Oglethorpe Power, Georgia Transmission, Georgia System Operations, Georgia EMC

QuickTrip

CareSource

Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation

Kelly Loeffler and Jeff Sprecher

Harley Langdale Junior Foundation

Truist Foundation

Georgia Association of Conservation Districts, in partnership with Georgia's Conservation Districts: Altamaha, Blue Ridge Mountain, Brier Creek, Broad River, Catoosa County, Cobb County, Coastal, Coosa River, DeKalb County, Flint, Fulton County, Gwinnett County, Hall County, Henry County, Lower Chattahoochee River, McDuffie County, Ocmulgee River, Oconee River, Ogeechee River, Ohoopee River, Piedmont, Pine Mountain, Satilla River, Stephens County, Towaliga, Upper Chattahoochee River, Walton County, Warren County, West Georgia.

See the full list of donors here.

The agriculture organizations who made the relief fund possible include:

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College

Dickey Farms

Fort Valley State University Cooperative Extension

Georgia 4-H

Georgia 4-H Foundation

Georgia Agricultural Education

Georgia Agribusiness Council

Georgia Association of Conservation Districts

Georgia Cattlemen's Association

Georgia Citrus Association

Georgia Cotton Commission

Georgia Department of Agriculture

Georgia EMC

Georgia Farm Bureau

Georgia FFA

Georgia FFA Alumni

Georgia FFA Camps-Covington and Fort Valley

Georgia FFA Foundation, Georgia Farm Bureau

Georgia Federal-State Inspection Service

Georgia Forestry Association

Georgia Forestry Commission

Georgia Forestry Foundation

Georgia Foundation For Agriculture

Georgia Green Industry Association

Georgia Milk Producers

Georgia Peanut Commission

Georgia Pecan Growers Association

Georgia Poultry Federation

Georgia Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association

Georgia Wine Producers

Georgia Young Farmers Association

Lamar Pecan Co

Magnolia Loom

Silicon Ranch

Stuckey’s Corporation

Sunbelt Ag Expo

The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association

The Georgia Pecan Commission

University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

University of Georgia Cooperative Extension

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