Putnam prepares Request for Freeze Help for Florida

Gary Cooper Citrus, Florida, General, Specialty Crops, Sugar, Vegetables, Weather

Adam Putnam (This release in late Friday 1/8/10 from Florida Congressman Adam Putnam’s office in BARTOW, Fla.) – Congressman Adam Putnam today said he is preparing a letter from the Florida congressional delegation to urge prompt action from the federal government to help Florida agricultural growers recover from record cold weather.

“I am working with Florida’s congressional delegation to send a joint letter asking for a federal disaster declaration based on widespread damage already sustained in vegetable production areas and the expectation of record low temperatures this weekend and next week,” said Putnam. “We are in close contact with the industry, Florida’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to ascertain the economic impact as quickly and accurately as possible. Some damage will not be evident for days after the event, but clearly there has been and will continue to be significant loss.”

Since 2001, Putnam has represented Florida’s 12th Congressional District, which includes most of Polk County and portions of Hillsborough and Osceola counties.

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