Bradley George

Thousands of farmers from Florida to the Carolinas suffered catastrophic damage from Helene last September. But Congress didn't pass a relief bill until three months later. USDA says it's finally ready to start doling out that funding. Affected states will have to negotiate with the agency, which will distribute aid in block grants.

Thousands of farmers from Florida to the Carolinas suffered catastrophic damage from Helene last September. But Congress didn't pass a relief bill until three months later. USDA says it's finally ready to start doling out that funding. Affected states will have to negotiate with the agency, which will distribute aid in block grants.

In Georgia, Governor Brian Kemp signed a law this week that exempts crop insurance and disaster payments from state taxes. North Carolina lawmakers have approved payments to cover farm losses, but Governor Josh Stein and legislative leaders say money will have to be set aside later this year. For NPR News, I'm Bradley George in Chapel Hill.

In Georgia, Governor Brian Kemp signed a law this week that exempts crop insurance and disaster payments from state taxes. North Carolina lawmakers have approved payments to cover farm losses, but Governor Josh Stein and legislative leaders say money will have to be set aside later this year. For NPR News, I'm Bradley George in Chapel Hill.