ATLANTA (WJBF) — It’s been nearly a year since Hurricane Helene tore through Georgia, leaving behind catastrophic damage to farms across the state. Now, Georgia leaders are pushing for federal block grants to help farmers still reeling from the disaster.

State Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper says the storm caused $5.5 billion in damage, devastating farm families like his own.

“It impacted farm families in a way we've never seen before,” Harper said. “My own family farm was impacted. The eye of the storm went over my home.”

Georgia’s agriculture industry, which is valued at $91 billion, employs thousands and supports communities statewide. Of the state’s 40,000 farms, about 25,000 were damaged by Helene. To date, Georgia has distributed $300 million in state funds to help farmers r

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