U.S. Department of Agriculture allocates $38 million to help South Carolina farmers recover from Hurricane Helene

In September 2024, Hurricane Helene struck the southeastern United States, causing extensive damage and loss of life, including 230 fatalities across six states. The storm resulted in significant floods and destruction of infrastructure, homes, and agricultural resources in states such as Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. This event has left farmers and ranchers struggling to recover from its financial impacts. On September 30, 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that more than $38.3 million in recovery aid will be provided to farmers in South Carolina through a block grant agreement with the South Carolina Department of Agriculture. This funding is part of a broader disaster assistance program authorized by the American Relief Act 2025 which allocates $30 billion to help states recover from the long-term effects of natural disasters. The recovery aid aims to address infrastructure and timber losses incurred due to the hurricane, alongside anticipated economic and market losses. USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins emphasized that farmers affected by Helene are crucial for ensuring a robust food supply and that the federal government, under President Donald Trump's direction, is committed to providing necessary resources for their recovery. South Carolina's Commissioner of Agriculture, Hugh Weathers, expressed optimism, stating that this funding will help bridge the gaps for farmers and forest landowners who have been tirelessly working to rebuild their businesses after Hurricane Helene's devastation. He noted the continued struggle faced by farmers and highlighted the importance of federal aid in ensuring the sustainability of their operations moving forward.