In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact on the southeastern United States, the agricultural community is rallying to support those affected. The NAEDA Equipment Dealers Foundation (EDF) has launched an urgent appeal for donations to assist equipment dealer employees and their families who are facing significant hardships. In a letter sent to members on October 7, NAEDA President/CEO Kim Rominger and EDF Chairman Tom Nobbe emphasized the unprecedented rainfall and destruction, which has left many without basic necessities such as food, water, and shelter. They highlighted that the foundation has a history of providing relief, having created a Disaster Relief Fund after Hurricane Katrina, which has awarded $350,000 in grants to dealership employees impacted by natural disasters since its inception.
To facilitate support, the EDF has outlined how donations can be made, either through checks mailed to their Kansas City office or via credit card on their website. Every contribution will directly aid those within the agricultural equipment sector who are striving to rebuild their lives and livelihoods in the aftermath of the storm.
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has also addressed the challenges posed by Hurricane Helene during a recent appearance at the World Dairy Expo. He noted the extensive damage across multiple states, including Florida and Georgia, and reassured affected communities that the USDA is actively working to provide assistance. With over 38,000 crop insurance policies in place covering millions of acres, Vilsack stated that the USDA is expediting loss adjustments to ensure farmers receive necessary payments quickly, potentially within 30 days.
The USDA is implementing various disaster assistance programs aimed at helping farmers recover, including support for rebuilding essential services in rural areas and providing nutrition assistance. Vilsack’s remarks reflect a commitment to not only address immediate recovery needs but also to enhance the long-term resilience of the agricultural sector through initiatives like Climate Smart Agriculture and continued investment in innovation. As the agricultural community comes together in response to the hurricane, the collaborative efforts of organizations like the EDF and the USDA highlight the importance of solidarity and support in overcoming natural disasters.
