The Florida Freeze Disaster Assistance Act has been introduced which would provide $3.5 billion in disaster assistance to Florida growers after the freeze events in January.
Congressman Scott Franklin and Congresswoman Kat Cammack sponsored the bill in the house with Senators Rick Scott and Ashley Moody introducing the companion bill in the senate. The funding would be provided through state-administered block grants.
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson said, “I want to thank Florida’s congressional delegation for advancing the Florida Freeze Disaster Assistance Act and its much-needed relief for Florida’s farmers and growers, who are still recovering from some of the most devastating freezes our state has ever experienced. I am also grateful to President Donald Trump and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins for their unprecedented support for America’s farmers, especially in times of crisis. This funding will provide critical assistance to help impacted producers recover, replant, and continue doing what they do best — feeding families across the state, the nation, and around the world. Understanding that Food security is national security, we stand ready to administer these federal block grant funds and ensure assistance reaches Florida producers as quickly as possible.”
The bill was also supported by agricultural organizations including the Florida Farm Bureau, Florida Citrus Mutual, Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association, Florida Strawberry Growers Association, Florida Sugar Cane League, and the Florida Tomato Exchange.
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.