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~ Beginning next week, Florida farmers impacted by Hurricane Debby can apply for low-interest and interest-free loans ~
(FDACS/TALLAHASSEE, FL/Aug 6, 2024) — Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced that Florida farmers, ranchers, and growers impacted by Hurricane Debby will be able to apply for low-interest and interest-free loans beginning next week through the Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program. Loans can be used by eligible agriculture and aquaculture producers to restore, repair, or replace essential physical property – including fences, equipment, greenhouses, and other buildings – or to remove vegetative debris.
“Based on reports of significant agricultural damage and flooding from Hurricane Debby, we will launch next week the Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program to immediately support impacted farmers, ranchers, growers and producers,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “Florida’s agriculture community works day in and day out to feed our state and nation – and this state-run recovery program, as opposed to federal programs that can take years to provide resources, can quickly and efficiently support our impacted farmers.”
Impacted producers are encouraged to take photos of any property damage sustained from Hurricane Debby and to save all receipts for recovery efforts and supplies. Producers that were previously awarded funds for damages sustained from Hurricane Idalia are eligible to apply for damage sustained from this disaster. Specific details on the application process will be announced on the program’s webpage.
Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program
- Low-interest or interest-free loans up to $500,000 for eligible agriculture and aquaculture producers that have experienced damage or destruction from Hurricane Debby.
- Loans may be used to restore, repair, or replace essential physical property, including fences, equipment, greenhouses, and other buildings, or to remove vegetative debris.
- Interested producers can learn more or apply here.
During a special legislative session in November of 2023, the Florida Legislature passed House Bill 1-C, which provided $75 million to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for a revolving loan fund to support impacted agriculture and aquaculture producers recover from natural disasters.
For more information about Commissioner Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FDACS.gov.
Source: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services