Commissioner Wilton Simpson Announces Approval of First Loan for Hurricane Debby Impacted Florida Farmers

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the approval of the first Hurricane Debby recovery loan through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program. Commissioner Simpson announced the launch of the application process on August 9, 2024, to help eligible Florida farmers, ranchers, and growers rebuild and recover from Hurricane Debby. This loan approval comes just 15 days after Hurricane Debby made landfall in Florida.

"Time is of the essence when it comes to helping our farmers, ranchers, and growers recover and rebuild from natural disasters like Hurricane Debby. While federal relief can take months, or even years, Florida is stepping up to provide immediate financial support," said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. "The Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program is designed to help get our producers back on their feet quickly, ensuring that Florida agriculture remains resilient and that our food supply chain stays strong."

Impacted producers are encouraged to take photos of any property damage sustained from Hurricane Debby and to save all receipts for recovery efforts and supplies. Specific details on the application process are available on the program's webpage.

Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program

• Low-interest or interest-free loans up to $500,000 for eligible agriculture and aquaculture producers that have experienced damage or destruction from Hurricane Debby.
• Loans may be used to restore, repair, or replace essential physical property, including fences, equipment, greenhouses, and other buildings, or to remove vegetative debris.
• Interested producers can learn more or apply here.

Producers that were previously awarded funds for damages sustained from Hurricane Idalia are eligible to apply for damage sustained from this disaster. The program is still accepting applications from producers impacted by Hurricane Idalia until August 29, 2024.

During a special legislative session in November of 2023, the Florida Legislature passed House Bill 1-C, which provided $75 million to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for a revolving loan fund to support impacted agriculture and aquaculture producers recover from natural disasters

For more information about Commissioner Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FDACS.gov.

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