Written by COSAP Co-op co-founder Alex Flack
What Happened?
In late September 2024, Hurricane Helene made landfall, pummeling the Southeastern United States. Only two weeks later Hurricane Milton struck Florida. According to NOAA, Hurricane Helene was the deadliest storm to hit the US since Katrina in 2005. Combined, these two hurricanes left hundreds dead, communities flooded, critical infrastructure destroyed, and billions of dollars of Agricultural losses. It is still uncertain how much was actually lost due to the hurricanes but the below graphic illustrates the billions of dollars of agriculture production in the path of Hurricane Helene.
In the days following the hurricanes, farmers were left with infrastructure permanently damaged, supply chains interrupted, animals scattered, and crops obliterated, equipment destroyed and livelihoods wiped out. In times of environmental disaster, those working the land feel the impact deeply. And as the climate crisis escalates and hurricanes and other severe weather patterns become more frequent it will continue to disrupt our food system through devastation that will only expedite the decrease of farmers growing food for our country. These hurricanes, along with the other climate crises related disasters, must wake us up to the reality that our current food system in the U.S. is not only contributing to the crises but also lacks the resilience we will need to face future challenges. However, for now the farmers that were hit the hardest and who are attempting to practice agriculture in alignment with our community values need support.
Who is RAFI-USA?
The Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA, commonly known as RAFI, “challenges the root causes of unjust food systems, supporting and advocating for economically, racially, and ecologically just farm communities.” Through providing resources, technical support, and farmer advocacy they aim to decentralize power in the food system, create more equitable access to resources for traditionally underserved farmers, and support climate resilient agriculture and environmental justice. In the days following Hurricane Helene, they launched a RAFI Farmer Crisis Hotline 866-586-6746, a guide for farmers to navigate disaster assistance, and began supplying directly to farmers relief funds for rebuilding and recovery. This is on top of the work they already do to support farmers across the Southeast. That’s the type of work we can get behind. While we aim to proactively support the creation of a better food system, in times of crises we must concentrate our support for those feeling the greatest impact who live on the frontlines of the climate crises, and RAFI is the best local partner to help us do that.
Where does the donation go?
As of the end of November, we have raised over 150 dollars to donate to RAFI-US through COSAP Roots Tees and we are deeply grateful for our community showing this support for farmers in need. Our promise to donate 100% of our profits from our COSAP Roots Tee to RAFI-USA will continue until the end of the year and we hope you will join us in this effort. We encourage you to visit the RAFI-USA website to learn more about their much needed work. RAFI’s Hurricane Farmer Relief Fund provides critical, on-the-ground assistance to farmers in crises and your donation will help them get back on their feet.
At COSAP Co-op we believe, in a world of compounding challenges we must create layered solutions that don’t compromise our biggest fundamental values. So when you buy a Roots Tee, you’re not just supporting farmers affected by the climate crises, you’re supporting a more sustainable supply chain and ethically distributed power in the workplace.
The path towards a full recovery for these farmers is long and layered with challenges. Farming is already risky and a disruption like Hurricane Helene can leave scars that last not only for those growing our food but the communities that rely on these growers for sustenance. In a time of year where you can donate to nearly any cause, rebuilding farms that are aiming to not only provide food but produce sustainable, just, and resilient agriculture is a cause that impacts everyone. From ensuring the recovery of good clean and fair farming in the southeast, to developing the support structures necessary to weather the impending storm of climate crisis, this donation will help proactively build a more resilient food system. And you can feel proud to represent the work you’re supporting while doing it, everytime you wear the Cosap Roots Tee!
