In The News

U.S. Rep. Rick Allen surveyed crop damage from Hurricane Helene in Jenkins County last week with Wade Parker, Southeast District Extension Agent. Damage to pecan and cotton crops were assessed and discussed.

“Farmers and growers across the 12th District, including those here in Jenkins County, were devastated by Hurricane Helene. High winds and excessive rainfall have resulted in catastrophic crop losses, and I will continue to do all I can at the federal level to ensure our farm families are made whole again. While our recovery efforts will take time, it is critical that we act swiftly to prevent deep and lasting economic damage to Georgia’s agricultural industry,” Rep. Allen commented.

Rep. Allen recently joined 14 of his southeastern colleagues in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary (USDA) Tom Vilsack regarding needed USDA actions to support farmers and rural communities devastated by Hurricane Helen.

“Specifically, we request that the USDA deploy Farm Service Agency strike teams to the hardest-hit areas, providing much-needed personnel to assist with recovery efforts. Additionally, we urge the Risk Management Agency to collaborate with local stakeholders and utilize regional rainfall data to ensure more accurate assessments for damage and crop insurance claims. Finally, we request that USDA disaster aid be provided to affected states through block grants. This will allow states the flexibility to administer relief tailored to the specific needs of their producers and communities. These actions will be critical to ensuring a swift and effective recovery for our agricultural communities,” the letter read.

Rep. Allen also joined the entire Georgia delegation and other members from the Southeast in sending a letter to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries urging swift passage of legislation to provide disaster relief funding for farmers and growers impacted by Hurricane Helene.

“To prevent deep and lasting economic damage to the agricultural industry in the southeastern United States, it is imperative that Congress make appropriations as soon as possible upon the completion of damage assessments to fully fund unmet agricultural disaster relief needs in our states and across the nation,” the group wrote.