The Georgia peach crop has been granted a disaster designation due to the extensive damage caused by a winter freeze. The state experienced a loss of over 85% of its peaches this spring, leading to scarcity and high prices. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will provide loans to affected farmers to help mitigate the losses. The loans, distributed through the USDA’s Farm Service Agency, can be used for various purposes such as purchasing equipment, reorganizing operations, or refinancing loans. Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper expressed gratitude for the support and emphasized the resilience of Georgia’s farmers. The loans will be allocated based on the extent of losses and repayment capacity. Farmers in the designated counties and contiguous areas are eligible to apply, with a deadline set for February 26, 2024. The disaster designation aims to provide relief and assist peach growers until they can recover in the following year.
Sources
Georgia peach crop loss | Disaster designation | 11alive.com
18 Georgia counties listed as natural disaster areas following peach freeze (fox5atlanta.com)