Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson has announced that farmers, ranchers, and growers affected by Hurricane Helene can now apply for interest-free loans through the Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program.
The loans aim to help eligible producers restore, repair, or replace essential property such as fences, equipment, greenhouses, and buildings, as well as clear vegetative debris.
“Providing immediate support to Florida’s agricultural producers in the aftermath of a natural disaster, especially in a region that’s still recovering from Idalia and Debby, is essential to safeguarding our food supply and our state and nation’s food security,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “Through the state funded and administered Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program, we’re providing an immediate and efficient gap financing until additional federal resources are available to impacted producers, and we’re ensuring that Florida’s agriculture community continues to thrive.”
Key Details of the Program:
- Interest-free loans of up to $500,000 are available for eligible agriculture and aquaculture producers impacted by Hurricane Helene.
- Loans can be used to restore, repair, or replace essential property, such as fences, equipment, greenhouses, and buildings, or to remove vegetative debris.
- Producers are encouraged to document property damage with photos and keep receipts for recovery expenses.
- Application details and specific requirements can be found on the program’s webpage.
Read: AccuWeather Estimates Hurricane Helene’s Damage, Economic Loss At $95 To $110 Billion
Producers who previously received funds for damages from Hurricane Debby may be eligible to apply for this program. However, applicants are limited to one loan per storm, two loans per year, and a maximum of five loans over three years.
The program was funded through House Bill 1-C, passed during a special legislative session in November 2023, which allocated $75 million to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to establish a revolving loan fund to assist agricultural and aquaculture producers recovering from natural disasters.
For more information or to apply, visit the program’s webpage.
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