Sep 25, 2024

Georgia growers urged to prepare for Hurricane Helene

Georgia growers are being advised to prepare for Hurricane Helene.

The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) is urging farmers to prepare for potential impacts from Hurricane Helene, which is expected to strengthen as it moves into the Gulf of Mexico. Forecasts predict widespread effects across Georgia’s agricultural sector.

GFVGA sent an email encouraging farmers to follow updates from the National Hurricane Center and review safety guidelines from the USDA and Produce Safety Alliance. The GFVGA stresses the importance of maintaining food safety during the storm, especially in flooded fields and facilities.

Any packaging or produce that comes into contact with floodwaters must be discarded and documented. Proper procedures for cooling facilities should also be followed, according to the notice.

In the email, GGVGA shared that in the event of crop loss, producers covered by the Federal Crop Insurance Program or the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) should report damage to their insurance agent or local FSA office within 72 hours.

For more assistance, growers can email Beth Oleson, PFSS manager with the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, at [email protected] or call her at 706-407-2551.