Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

10/04/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/04/2024 13:08

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

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the approval of the first Hurricane Helene 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 September 27, 2024, to help eligible agriculture and aquaculture producers to restore, repair, or replace essential physical property - including fences, equipment, greenhouses, and other buildings - or to remove vegetative debris. This loan approval comes just 8 days after Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida.

"Swift and meaningful action is crucial in aiding our farmers, ranchers, and growers in their recovery from Hurricane Helene, especially in a region that is still recovering from Idalia and Debby. We are very proud to have been able to get our first loan fully approved through the department's Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program just 8 days after the storm made landfall," said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. "We know our farmers are hurting and we are doing all we can on the state level to make up for serious federal negligence. It was an honor to join Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, and Senator Rick Scott this week to talk about and see firsthand the needs of our agriculture community. They share the same passion for cutting bureaucracy and red tape and I am thankful for their support in helping to get assistance to our farmers to ensure a safe, affordable, and abundant food supply."

Impacted producers are encouraged to take photos of any property damage sustained from Hurricane Helene 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

  • Interest-free loans up to $500,000 for eligible agriculture and aquaculture producers that have experienced damage or destruction from Hurricane Helene.
  • 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 Debby may be eligible to apply for damage sustained from this disaster. An applicant may not receive more than one loan per storm, more than two loans per year, or more than five loans in any three-year period.

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 to 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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