timber

Nikki Fried Urges Immediate Action by U.S. Senate on Disaster Relief

Dan Economy, Field Crops, Florida, Forestry, Industry News Release, Legislative, Livestock

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried urged the U.S. Senate to take immediate action on long-overdue Hurricane Michael relief. With both chambers set to adjourn on Friday until June 3, Fried asked senators to send a bipartisan disaster assistance package to the President’s desk before the end of the week. The U.S. House passed a bipartisan disaster bill on May 10. …

lawmakers

Lawmakers Grapple with Storm Funding as Calls Mount

Dan Economy, Florida, Industry News Release

As calls from hurricane-battered Northwest Florida grow more desperate for state and federal financial help, Sen. Bill Montford on Tuesday removed a request for $315 million from a relief package while lawmakers prepare for budget talks. Montford, a Tallahassee Democrat who is one of three Northwest Florida lawmakers behind the proposal (SB 1610), said removing the dollar figure will keep …

hurricane

Ag Commissioner Candidates Eye Disaster Plans

Dan Florida, Industry News Release

After farmers and ranchers sustained heavy damage in Hurricane Irma, candidates for state agriculture commissioner are offering a variety of approaches to make Florida’s food chain more resilient before future natural disasters. Sen. Denise Grimsley, R-Sebring, wants the state to expand on a temporary relief package for farmers that the Legislature rolled out after Hurricane Irma. Rep. Matt Caldwell, R-North …

putnam

Putnam Comments on USDA’s Disaster Aid Implementation

Dan Citrus, Field Crops, Florida, Forestry, Industry News Release

Following U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue’s announcement today that the USDA will begin implementing disaster payments of up to $2.36 billion in response to 2017 hurricanes and wildfires, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam issued the following statement: “Florida agriculture took a direct hit from Hurricane Irma and has long-awaited this much-needed disaster relief. I thank Secretary …

georgia counties

USDA Implements Hurricane Recovery Funding for Ag Producers

Dan Florida, Industry News Release

2017 Wildfires and Hurricanes Indemnity Program to Aid Recovery in Rural Communities U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will make disaster payments of up to $2.36 billion, as provided by Congress, to help America’s farmers and ranchers recover from hurricanes and wildfires. The funds are available as part of the new 2017 Wildfires …

putnam

Putnam Requests Federal Disaster Relief for Florida Agriculture

Dan Florida, Industry News Release

Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam sent a letter to the Florida’s congressional delegation requesting much-needed disaster relief for Florida agriculture, which suffered a more than $2.5 billion hit due to Hurricane Irma. Excerpts from the letter are below: “As you know Hurricane Irma, among the strongest hurricanes ever to make direct landfall in the United States, dealt a devastating …