Washington, D.C. — Georgia farmers are backing U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff’s bipartisan push to pass agricultural disaster assistance before the end of the year.
This morning, Sen. Ossoff testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations on the urgent need to support Georgia agriculture after the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene, where he pressed both parties to pass agricultural disaster assistance for Georgia before the end of the year.
Today, Georgia farmers, growers, and producers are echoing Sen. Ossoff’s calls to put partisanship aside and pass agricultural disaster assistance for Georgia before the end of the year:
“As a farmer, a rural state Senator and a Georgian I want to take this opportunity to join in with Senator Jon Ossoff and other members of our congressional delegation in support of their efforts to pass disaster funding legislation,” said Georgia State Senator Russ Goodman. “Food security is national security. Our farm families have been dealt a devastating blow of almost biblical proportions. They need help, we need help, our rural communities need help. It’s worth noting that we all need a farmer three times a day. We need to pass disaster legislation to ensure that our farm families stay in business, and I implore our friends in Washington to pass it before the end of this year.”
“The Georgia Pecan Growers Association deeply appreciates Senator Ossoff’s unwavering efforts to expedite funding through the Senate to support our pecan growers. In recent history, there has never been a more critical moment for our industry to receive this level of assistance. We are immensely proud to witness such strong support from every level of government—thanks to the leadership of our Governor, Agriculture Commissioner, and bipartisan leaders at the federal, state, and local levels,” said Mary Bruorton, Executive Director of the Georgia Pecan Growers Association. “It is vital to emphasize that our rural counties— the backbone of American agriculture—are the areas most in need of this relief. With the pecan industry facing an unprecedented economic loss of $614 million, the time for Congress to act is now.”
“Poultry growers in southeast Georgia were severely impacted by Hurricane Helene on a scale that is hard to imagine. We greatly appreciate Senator Ossoff and other members of Congress who are working to support a broad funding package to bring much needed relief to poultry producers and other agricultural sectors by the end of 2024,” said Mike Giles, President of the Georgia Poultry Federation.
“Georgia growers continue the monumental task of clean up and rebuilding after Helene. The financial impacts will be felt for generations but we can ease the burden by delivering meaningful relief before the end of the year. We appreciate the leadership of Senator Ossoff and the entire Georgia delegation in fighting for Georgia growers,” said Chris Butts, Executive Vice President of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association.
“Agriculture is Georgia’s top industry, and the hardworking farmers who sustain it are facing unprecedented challenges, especially in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Senator Ossoff’s testimony today highlights the urgent need for bipartisan action to deliver disaster assistance by the end of the year,” said Lindy Savelle, Executive Director of the Georgia Citrus Association. “Supporting this is not just about helping farmers recover—it’s about protecting Georgia’s economy and securing the future of rural communities across our state. Congress must act swiftly to provide the relief our agricultural industry desperately needs.”
“Georgia Cattlemen’s Association whole heartedly agrees with Senator Ossoff on the urgent need for disaster relief for Georgia cattlemen and farmers. I have seen the devastation myself and there is an urgent need as the Senator says. The need is great enough for a strong federal response. We support Senator Ossoff and join in his call for disaster relief for Georgia cattlemen and farmers,” said James Vaughn, Georgia Cattlemen’s Association President.
“Georgia’s dairy farmers appreciate Senator Ossoff for sharing our concerns with the full Senate Appropriations Committee today. Nearly one-third of Georgia’s dairy industry was significantly impacted by Hurricane Helene,” said Bryce Trotter, Executive Director of Georgia Milk Producers, Inc. “The infrastructure and production losses will be felt for months as our farms and cows recover from the stress and damage of the storm. Our producers need assistance to help meet the unique losses they have experienced. We are thankful for the bipartisan effort our Georgia delegation has made on behalf of the state’s farmers.”
“I am grateful to Senator Ossoff for continuing to draw attention to the farms and rural communities affected by Hurricane Helene. Family farms like mine were already behind the eight-ball going into 2024 and without disaster assistance, the viability of our farms and rural communities like mine (Lyons) is at risk,” said Chris Hopkins in Toombs County, who produces cotton, peanut, corn, small grain, and watermelon. “I am hopeful that Congress can put aside political and regional differences to give timely, essential aid to those who are at risk.”
“Georgia blueberry growers appreciate Senator Ossoff testifying before the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee about the impact of Hurricane Helene on Georgia’s agricultural industry. He and his team have viewed blueberry production and bush losses across the state. This has impacted thousands of families and the economies of rural communities,” said Kevin Eason, Blueberry Grower in Alma, GA. “Senator Ossoff personalized the impact and every state and federal official that has toured the areas hit by the hurricane understand just how personal are these losses. We support the Senator’s efforts to get agricultural disaster assistance approved before Congress wraps up this session.”
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