Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced today a new loan program aimed at helping farmers, ranchers, and growers recover from the recent historic winter storm that brought hard freezes and record snowfall to North Florida.
The Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program will provide interest-free loans of up to $500,000 to eligible producers to restore, repair, or replace essential infrastructure damaged by the storm, including fences, equipment, greenhouses, and other facilities. The program also offers funds for debris removal.
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“Delivering immediate support to agricultural producers impacted by the recent winter storm, like our nursery growers in North Florida who were hit especially hard, is a critical first step to get them back on their feet,” said Commissioner Simpson. “The Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program provides a start with immediate financial relief, ensuring that Florida’s farmers and ranchers begin to rebuild their buildings and infrastructure.”
Loan Program Highlights
- Interest-Free Loans: Up to $500,000 per eligible applicant.
- Eligible Uses: Restoring, repairing, or replacing physical property such as greenhouses, fences, and equipment, and removing vegetative debris.
- Application Process: Producers can find specific details and apply on the program’s webpage.
Producers who have previously received funds for damages from recent hurricanes may also apply for this program, but restrictions include a limit of one loan per storm, two loans per year, and five loans within any three-year period.
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The winter storm dealt a heavy blow to North Florida’s agriculture industry, especially nursery growers, who sustained significant damage due to back-to-back hard freezes and snowfall. Commissioner Simpson urged affected producers to document all damages with photographs and retain receipts for recovery-related expenses to support their applications.
The loan program is funded through a $75 million revolving loan fund established by House Bill 1-C, passed during a special legislative session in November 2023. Commissioner Simpson plans to advocate for additional funding during the upcoming legislative session to further support the state’s agricultural community.
Eligible producers are encouraged to visit the program’s webpage for more details and to begin the application process. The program is designed to provide fast and accessible relief to help Florida’s agricultural industry recover from the disaster.
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