President Donald Trump is asking Congress to approve more than 11 billion dollars in additional agricultural assistance, including 10 billion dollars in economic aid for producers across the country and another 1.1 billion dollars specifically for Florida farmers recovering from devastating winter storms and freezes. The request is part of a larger supplemental funding package now before Congress.
Florida Farm Bureau Federation President Jeb Smith welcomed the proposal, saying the funding recognizes the extraordinary challenges facing America’s farmers and ranchers. Smith says Florida producers have been hit hard by rising input costs, market volatility, foreign competition, natural disasters, and severe weather, making this assistance especially important.
The proposal would provide direct economic relief to agricultural producers while targeting additional funding to Florida growers who suffered heavy losses during this past winter’s freezes. Florida’s specialty crop industry, including citrus, vegetables, berries, and ornamental crops, experienced significant damage from the unusually cold weather.
Smith also thanked U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, and members of Florida’s congressional delegation for advocating on behalf of the state’s producers. He says their efforts helped ensure Florida’s unique agricultural needs were recognized in Washington.
The Florida Farm Bureau is now urging Congress to move quickly on the funding package, saying timely assistance will help provide certainty for farm families working to recover and remain in business.