In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, USDA has deployed staff to assist with response and recovery efforts and is putting contingency plans and flexibilities in place to ensure farmers, foresters, and communities can get the help they need.

USDA estimates there are more than 38,000 crop insurance policies covering more than 4.8 million acres in the affected areas. USDA instructed crop insurance companies to expedite loss adjustments that are necessary to make payments and expects those payments to be made within 30 days.

The agency also reminds producers to document damage and losses, including gathering farm records, herd inventory, receipts, and pictures of damage or losses. If a producer’s local USDA Office is still without power, calling the Farm Service Agency Call Center at 877-508-8364 can help them find available offices and staff.

Hurricane Helene devastated communities, homes, farms, and businesses across the Southeast.