TREUTLEN COUNTY, Ga. — Farmers and foresters in Georgia affected by Hurricane Helene will soon get state assistance to aid in clean-up efforts. Governor Brian Kemp recently approved $100 million in disaster relief loans and grants to help those impacted.
Will and Alice Heath, who run a timber farm in Treutlen County specializing in longleaf trees for pine straw, reported losing 50% to 60% of their trees to the hurricane.
Since their crops weren’t insured and weren’t ready for harvest, Will emphasized the importance of this assistance.
You invest in year one and wait 15 years for a return, Heath explained. While the state funds won’t cover all his losses, they will help him recover and clean up the damage. Without help, the land could remain like this for 15 years, he added.
Jake Matthews, Vice President of Government Affairs at the Georgia Forestry Association, stated that the timber industry sustained $1.28 billion in damages, with the storm affecting 8.9 million acres across the state.
Reforestation costs are significant, averaging $400 per acre for site preparation and replanting.
Matthews said his organization is working with state and federal policymakers to support the timber industry.
Heath also urged other farmers to advocate for additional relief. It’s vital to communicate with legislators and officials about the importance of keeping this industry alive, he said.
Of the disaster relief funding, 25% is allocated for timber farmers, while the remaining funds are available as disaster relief loans for those in agribusiness.