Record high flooding impacts local crops

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Over the past week, tropical storm Debby hit our area hard with record high flooding. That flooding has not only impacted homes and infrastructure, but also crops.

WTOC spoke with a Forsyth Farmer’s Market representative to share how Coastal Empire and Lowcountry farmers have been affected.

We’ve been able to see some immediate affects, including property damage and flooded roadways, but it might take a few weeks to feel the storm’s impact on things like crops.

Because agriculture relies on the weather, climate, and water availability to thrive, it is easily impacted by natural events and disasters, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency, flooding is one of those events.

A representative from the Forsyth Farmer’s Market said some farmers have already told her how their crops have been ruined for the season.

“This definitely impedes, not this week specifically, but it definitely impedes all of the planting they’ve done for the following weeks. Basically, the crops, a lot of the crops, got washed out, literally,” said Interim Executive Director of Forsyth Farmers Market, Tina Saxe.

Saxe says they have a “Give Butter” campaign on the market’s website and social media platforms. She says the campaign funds farmers directly to make sure their farms are well supported, especially in times of need.

Click here to support farmers near you.

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