Request For and Information On Milton Disaster Assistance

Last week, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson formally requested a USDA Disaster Declaration for Florida counties impacted by Hurricane Milton. Hurricane Milton caused catastrophic damage to Florida's agricultural producers, compounding losses and financial strain from previous storms.

Based on initial reporting and communication with farmers, the initial damage assessment estimates total losses to the agriculture industry between $1.5 billion and $2.5 billion according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

So the request is in for the USDA, but what happens in the meantime? This is where the state is stepping up with the Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program.

Through this program, producers may be eligible for:

• Interest-free loans up to $500,000 for eligible agriculture and aquaculture producers that have experienced damage or destruction from Hurricane Milton.

• Loans may be used to restore, repair, or replace essential physical property, including fences, equipment, greenhouses, and other buildings, or to remove vegetative debris.

For more details, visit: https://www.fdacs.gov/Agriculture-Industry/Agriculture-and-Aquaculture-Producers-Natural-Disaster-Recovery-Loan-Program