Disaster aid is before the U.S. Senate as lawmakers are working to break the political logjam over urgently-needed assistance for farmers hurt by storm damage. This includes those here in the Southeast affected by Hurricane Michael last October. While the House did pass a disaster bill last week, congressional leaders and the White House have been discussing a bipartisan bill that …
Northwest Florida Residents to Congress: Do Something Now
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) released the following video featuring Hurricane Michael survivors telling their personal stories, and asking Congress to put politics aside, and do its job. Even though the Category 5 storm devastated Florida’s Panhandle almost seven months ago, Congress continues to play politics instead of passing critical disaster funding for local communities still struggling to recover. For …
Commissioner Nikki Fried Releases Hurricane Michael Video: “America’s Forgotten Disaster”
Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried released a new mini-documentary video entitled “America’s Forgotten Disaster,” highlighting the destruction and consequences of Hurricane Michael, with a focus on forestry and timber. The video documents Commissioner Fried’s tours of Panhandle communities devastated by Hurricane Michael, features visually powerful reminders of the damage to forests and timber farms and the looming threat of wildfire, and includes …
Lawmakers Grapple with Storm Funding as Calls Mount
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 …
States Suffering from Lack of Action on Disaster Aid
Late last week, U.S. Senators from the Southeast joined Senate colleagues, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell from Kentucky, in expressing disappointment in Congress’ failure to deliver critical disaster aid to their states to assist in recovery efforts from natural disasters in 2018 and 2019. It has now been over six months since parts of Alabama, Florida and Georgia were …
Signup Deadline for Georgians Affected by Hurricane Michael Nearing
Farmers, ranchers and forestland owners in Georgia who suffered damage to working lands due to Hurricane Michael but were not eligible for previous signup period are being reminded the extended signup period ends Friday, April 19. Georgia State Conservationist Terrance O. Rudolph with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Tas Smith have been working …
Senators Decry Lack Of Action On Disaster Aid For Suffering States
U.S. Senators David Perdue (R-GA) and Johnny Isakson (R-GA) joined Senate colleagues, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), in expressing disappointment in Congress’ failure to deliver critical disaster aid to their states to assist in recovery efforts from natural disasters in 2018 and 2019. It has been six months since Georgia and Florida took a direct hit from Hurricane …
Negotiations Continue in Congress on Stalled Disaster Bill
Many involved with agriculture in the Southeast are disappointed Congress has yet to pass a disaster relief package to help those trying to recover from Hurricane Michael. But according to a story from Gary Crawford, lawmakers are continuing negotiations on a supplemental disaster bill. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember 1, 2024Nuseed Carinata Covers New GroundOctober 1, 2024TriEst Ag Group: Partners …
USDA Sign Up for Georgians Affected by Hurricane Michael
Georgia state leaders for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) wants to remind farmers, ranchers and forestland owners who suffered damage to working lands due to Hurricane Michael but were not eligible for previous sign ups, you have until April 19th to seek assistance for the USDA programs right for you. Georgia State Conservationist, Terrance Rudolph with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Farm Service …
Wakulla County, Florida, Designated as a Primary Natural Disaster Area
Emergency Support to Producers in Surrounding Counties Also Available Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue designated Wakulla County, Florida, as a primary natural disaster area. Producers who suffered losses due to Hurricane Michael that occurred on Oct. 10, 2018, may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loans. This natural disaster area designation allows FSA to …