Commissioner Wilton Simpson Urges USDA to Issue Disaster Declaration for Hurricane Milton Agricultural Damage

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson sent a letter [ 1.1 MB ] to the United States Secretary of Agriculture formally requesting a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Disaster Declaration for Florida counties impacted by Hurricane Milton. Hurricane Milton caused catastrophic damage to Florida's agricultural producers, compounding losses and financial strain from previous storms. Based on initial reporting and communication with farmers, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' initial damage assessment [ 1.4 MB ] estimates total losses to the agriculture industry between $1.5 billion and $2.5 billion.

"Hurricane Milton has left a broad path of devastation, impacting our farmers and threatening Florida's position as a leading agricultural producer. With four major hurricanes in just over a year, our agriculture communities have been hit repeatedly, causing unprecedented financial strain," said Commissioner Simpson. "We need the USDA's immediate support to help these family farms recover from yet another historic storm. The time to act is now."

In his letter to Secretary Tom Vilsack, Commissioner Simpson urged the USDA to expedite the review process and make all available assistance through the Farm Service Agency and other USDA programs accessible to farmers.

The initial damage assessment estimates total agricultural crop and infrastructure losses between $1.5 billion and $2.5 billion. These figures add to the over $1.5 billion in damage already sustained from Hurricane Helene, Hurricane Debby, and Hurricane Idalia in the past 13 months.

Agriculture contributes significantly to Florida's economy, accounting for a major share of the state's $1.2 trillion gross domestic product. The state's agricultural sector generates $8.88 billion annually in agricultural sales, per the latest USDA census. Given the widespread devastation, the Commissioner warned that without swift federal action, many agricultural operations could be lost.

On Oct. 15, Commissioner Wilton Simpson announced that Florida farmers, ranchers, and growers impacted by Hurricane Milton can now apply for interest-free loans through the Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program. Loans can be used by eligible agriculture and aquaculture producers to restore, repair, or replace essential physical property - including fences, equipment, greenhouses, and other buildings - remove vegetative debris, and cover the cost of associated labor.

Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program

• Interest-free loans up to $500,000 for eligible agriculture and aquaculture producers that have experienced damage or destruction from Hurricane Milton.
• 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.

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

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