Florida farmers have suffered immense losses of up to $3 billion following severe winter freezes. The federal government will provide aid to the state’s agricultural industry following the losses.
Florida farmers to receive aid after winter losses
The United States Department of Agriculture has declared support for Florida farmers following losses caused by severe winter freeze. State officials estimate the agricultural losses sustained to be about $3 billion.
Brooke Rollins, the United States Secretary of Agriculture, announced a disaster declaration to support farmers affected by the freeze. The state of Florida will now work with the Department of Agriculture to get needed aid to farmers.
Florida began the request for federal assistance on January 30 when its commissioner for agriculture, Wilton Simpson, sent a letter to the federal counterpart. He did this ahead of a forecasted winter storm.
Similarly, the entire Florida congressional delegation on February 10 urged the Department of Agriculture to make a disaster declaration. They requested quick access to federal programs for agricultural producers.
Wilton Simpson, the commissioner of agriculture, appreciated federal leadership for acting quickly. He also thanked them for recognising the scale of losses farmers incurred.
“This was one of the most damaging freeze events in Florida agriculture’s history, with our preliminary estimates totalling about $3 billion in agricultural losses,” he said.
The weather event caused widespread damage across different crops. The winter freeze severely affected strawberries, blueberries, citrus, and vegetables.
Winter freeze hit young farmers the hardest
Jeb Smith, the president of the Florida Farm Bureau Federation, has said the winter freeze affected young farmers the hardest. He also said small and medium-sized farmers also suffered heavy losses.
“I think if I were to make a plea, it is that for some of our younger farmers and especially some that regionally and crop wise, they’re the most vulnerable and we need to get them that help,” he said.
However, the state does not yet know the total amount of aid it will receive. State authorities hope it will match the $3 billion loss estimated.
The Commissioner of Agriculture hopes that some money will begin to come in before the end of the year. However, federal aid moves slowly.
The United States has suffered from severe winter events since the beginning of the year. This has affected different aspects of living and also caused humanitarian crises requiring aid.