(NAFB.com) – Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack announced additional assistance to help producers impacted by Hurricane Helene in their recovery process. USDA is announcing that counties that have triggered for payment under the Hurricane Insurance Protection Wind Index (HIP-WI) endorsement for Hurricane Helene. As a result, Approved Insurance Providers have 30 days to issue payments to producers, but those providers typically issue payments much sooner. “Several states across the southeast experienced devastating damages from Hurricane Helene, which caused significant destruction right before the harvest season,” Vilsack says. “USDA will support farmers through the recovery process for the long haul, and that includes today’s step of making innovative types of coverage available and getting funds into the hands of producers quickly.” Georgia’s indemnity payments top the list at a combined $207.7 million. A full list of the Farm Service Agency disaster assistance programs is available on the Hurricane Helene webpage at farmers.gov.