Governor Perdue Requests Expedited Damage Assessment of the Impact of Hurricane Ivan on Georgia Agriculture

ATLANTA, GA – Governor Sonny Perdue has formally requested an expedited damage assessment of Georgia crops by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in the wake of   Hurricane Ivan.  The storm inflicted additional harm on farmers in South Georgia recovering from Hurricane Frances as well as those in north Georgia, where the impact of Ivan was most damaging.  This assessment will begin the process toward a USDA Secretarial Disaster Designation. 

            " Georgia farming and agribusiness took a serious hit from Ivan and we need to assess the full extent of the damage and determine eligibility for assistance as soon as possible," said Governor Sonny Perdue. 

            The Georgia State Emergency Board will review damage assessment reports by local Farm Service Agencies.  Preliminary state and local damage assessments began immediately following the storm and are ongoing.  

            Last week, the Georgia State Emergency Board recommended to the USDA approximately 100 counties for federal disaster assistance as a result of Hurricane Frances.