Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson has formally requested a disaster declaration from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Milton. In a letter to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, Simpson urged immediate federal support to help Florida’s agricultural sector recover from the catastrophic damage.
Hurricane Milton delivered a severe blow to Florida’s farmers, further compounding the financial toll from previous storms. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ initial estimates indicate that total losses to the agriculture industry could range from $1.5 billion to $2.5 billion.
READ: Polk County Sheriff’s Office Searching For Owners Of Lost Pets After Hurricane Milton
“Hurricane Milton has caused widespread destruction, impacting our farmers and putting Florida’s agricultural leadership at risk,” said Commissioner Simpson. “In the last year, we’ve faced four major hurricanes, and the financial strain on our agricultural communities is unprecedented. We need immediate action from the USDA to ensure these family farms can recover.”
Simpson’s letter calls for the USDA to expedite its review and provide all available assistance through the Farm Service Agency and other programs. The estimated losses from Hurricane Milton add to over $1.5 billion in damages already sustained from Hurricanes Helene, Debby, and Idalia in the past 13 months.
READ: Gov. DeSantis Provides Key Updates On Florida’s Ongoing Hurricane Milton Recovery Efforts”
Agriculture plays a critical role in Florida’s economy, contributing significantly to the state’s $1.2 trillion GDP. With annual agricultural sales totaling $8.88 billion, Simpson warned that without swift federal aid, many farming operations could face permanent closure.
Additionally, on October 15, Simpson announced that Florida farmers, ranchers, and growers affected by Hurricane Milton are now eligible to apply for interest-free loans through the Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program. These loans, up to $500,000, are intended to help producers restore, repair, or replace essential infrastructure and cover cleanup costs.
Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program Overview:
- Interest-free loans up to $500,000 for eligible agriculture and aquaculture producers impacted by Hurricane Milton.
- Loans may be used to restore or replace physical property such as fences, equipment, greenhouses, and other buildings, or to cover debris removal and labor costs.
- For more information or to apply, visit the Florida Department of Agriculture’s website.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Android Users: Download our free app to stay up-to-date on the latest news.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.