Nov 8, 2019 - Science

U.S. to distribute $800 million in aid to southern farmers hit by 2018 hurricanes

Fadel Allassan

A tractor going down a farm. — Photo: Wan Zhen/VCG via Getty Images

The federal government will distribute $800 million in aid to farmers in Florida, Alabama and Georgia that were hit by hurricanes Michael and Florence last year, the Department of Agriculture announced on Friday.

The big picture: The department will distribute the money in grants as part of a $3 billion disaster aid package approved by Congress earlier this year to help communities recovering from a variety of natural disasters. The aid will help agricultural producers in southern states "get back on their feet and prepare for next year’s planting and harvest," per Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue.

By the numbers: Florida’s share of the funds is expected to exceed $380 million, while $347 million will go to Georgia, where the timber industry had notable losses.

Alabama is expected to receive $25 million.
North Carolina, also struck by Hurricane Florence, was not included in the list of beneficiaries on Friday, as the state's negotiations with federal officials persist.

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U.S. to distribute $800 million in aid to southern farmers hit by 2018 hurricanes

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