Hurricane Helene's Devastating Impact on Rural Southeast: A Glimpse into Recovery Challenges

As the most powerful hurricane ever to strike Florida’s Big Bend region and the deadliest Atlantic storm since Hurricane Maria in 2017, Hurricane Helene left affected communities not only grieving for lost loved ones but also grappling with the overwhelming challenge of rebuilding their homes, farms, and livelihoods. While it was too early to estimate total agricultural losses, understanding the region's agricultural profile offered a glimpse of what recovery might look like. This article examines long-term challenges rural communities face as they rebuild.

Poultry production is the dominant agricultural industry in the region, with an estimated $6.3 billion in poultry products produced across the affected counties in 2022. Over 80% of the poultry production value is concentrated in the most severely affected counties category. Georgia and North Carolina, which together account for more than a quarter of the U.S. broiler supply by value, were among the hardest hit. Reports indicate that high winds flattened numerous poultry houses, with Georgia Governor Brian Kemp announcing that over 107 poultry houses were either damaged or destroyed. In Florida, reports suggest that roughly 1 in 7 broiler houses are damaged or destroyed. These losses will not only reduce the immediate supply of poultry but also hinder local production capacity for months or even years. Rebuilding poultry houses, restocking flocks, and addressing supply chain disruptions will be costly and time-consuming. Additionally, flooding from the hurricane-contaminated feed and water supplies, increases the risk of disease outbreaks in surviving birds. These environmental and health issues, combined with the financial burden of rising insurance premiums, could force many poultry farmers out of the market.

Fruit and tree nut production across the impacted counties totals approximately $1.9 billion annually. Of this, $808 million is attributed to berries, primarily blueberries and strawberries. Georgia, the second-largest blueberry producer in the U.S., grows about $156 million worth of blueberries each year (15% of the nation’s total by value). Florida accounts for 13% of U.S. strawberry production. Many farms experienced extensive flooding of fields that had been prepped with raised beds in plastic for strawberries to be planted in two weeks.

Perhaps even more devastating is the loss of pecan orchards. Georgia is responsible for 36% of U.S. pecan production, with approximately $183 million in annual output from over 260,000 acres. Preliminary reports from the University of Georgia suggest that older pecan trees have suffered a 70% loss, while younger trees face a 40% loss. Affected counties make up about 23% of Georgia’s pecan acreage. The destruction of mature trees, which can take up to a decade to replace, will result in long-term production declines. Additionally, prolonged flooding from the storm has saturated the soil, increasing the risk of root rot and other fungal diseases that could further weaken or kill surviving trees, compounding challenges to recovery. Primary apple growing regions, particularly in North Carolina which supplies over $20 million in fresh market production, have also been impacted, with orchards facing similarly daunting challenges from tree loss and waterlogged soils.

Vegetable production in the affected region amounts to $1.1 billion annually. Excessive rainfall and flooding have created perfect conditions for bacterial and fungal diseases to thrive. In South Carolina, mustard greens, rutabagas, tomatoes, and brassicas like broccoli and collard greens have already shown signs of bacterial root rot and blight. This could severely reduce yields and disrupt supply chains, particularly as many of these vegetables are key components of the fall and winter harvest. Cucurbits, including cucumber

In conclusion, Hurricane Helene's devastation to agriculture, particularly in the rural Southeast, is expected to be more costly than Hurricane Michael in 2018, which caused $2.5 billion in agricultural damage. The storm's impact on poultry production, pecan orchards, and vegetable crops will have long-lasting effects on the region's agricultural industry and economy. As recovery efforts continue, it is crucial for lawmakers and government agencies to provide the necessary support and resources to help farmers and rural communities rebuild and adapt to the challenges posed by natural disasters.