Mar 5, 2019

Ag Disaster Funding Update scheduled in Georgia

The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) is hosting an Ag Disaster Funding Update tonight, Tuesday, March 5 at 7 p.m. in Tifton, GA with Gov. Brian Kemp and Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black. Kemp and Black will provide an update on state and federal responses to Hurricane Michael.

U.S. Sens. Isakson and Perdue, and U.S. Reps. Bishop, A. Scott and Carter will join via video conference from Washington, DC. Members of the Georgia congressional delegation have been hard at work securing disaster funding for growers hit by Hurricane Michael. 

When: Tuesday, March 5, 2019 at 7:00 p.m.

Where: UGA Conference Center

               15 RDC Road, Tifton, GA 31794

 “Hurricane Michael was devastating, and we are glad to have the support of our congressional members to work to get disaster funding to Georgia,” said GFVGA Executive Director Charles Hall. “We are looking forward to the update tonight.”

As reported by UGA Extension agents and agricultural economists, Hurricane Michael caused more than $2.5 billion in losses to Georgia’s agricultural industry. Georgia’s vegetable industry alone suffered over $480 million in direct losses. Since the day after Michael hit Georgia, efforts have been underway by GFVGA and other commodity organizations to seek federal disaster relief for the growers effected.

The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association is a trade association representing farmers, packers and shippers producing fruits and vegetables in the southeastern United States. The organization provides a viable and united voice to represent the industry. Through support for educational programs, agricultural research, member services and marketing activities GFVGA encourages efficient, cost effective production for growers and increased consumption by consumers.