Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Rooney (R-Fla.) released the following statement regarding the federal disaster declaration announced last week by Agriculture Secretary Vilsack:
“Florida growers were hit extremely hard by the freeze last month and I am glad to see to see Secretary Vilsack declare a federal disaster so growers can receive much needed assistance. All eight counties in the 16th Congressional district were included in this declaration. I have seen the damage caused by the freeze first hand and spoken with several growers who need help and I can tell you this is welcome relief for Florida’s farmers.
“Growers in counties included in the declaration are now eligible to apply for Farm Service Agency (FSA) Emergency Loans (EM) and the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Program (SURE). These programs will help farmers recover and get back up and running as soon as possible.”
Information on these programs is available at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=home&subject=landing&topic=landing
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