Daniel Webster U.S. House of Representatives from Florida | Official U.S. House Headshot
Daniel Webster U.S. House of Representatives from Florida | Official U.S. House Headshot
Florida's agricultural sector is facing significant challenges following the impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. In response, Congressman Daniel Webster, alongside Congressman Scott Franklin and Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio, has urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to expedite disaster assistance for affected producers.
The Florida delegation emphasized the importance of immediate action in a letter to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, stating that "these back-to-back major hurricanes have decimated Florida agriculture, our state's second largest industry, which generates more than $182.6 billion in annual revenue and provides more than 2.5 million jobs."
Hurricane Milton followed closely on the heels of Hurricane Helene, causing widespread damage across Florida. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences estimates crop and infrastructure losses between $1.5 to $2.5 billion. The state has requested federal agriculture disaster designations for counties impacted by both storms.
The letter highlights past success with block grants following Hurricane Irma in 2018, suggesting a similar approach could expedite aid delivery this time around. USDA Inspector General Phyllis K. Fong noted during a House Appropriations Subcommittee hearing that such block grants were effective in delivering assistance to citrus farmers.
The delegation calls for an expedited review process for applications at Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices and advocates for improved staffing to handle disaster-based programs efficiently.
Further concerns were raised about inadequate funding levels for disaster relief appropriated by Congress in December 2022, with only $3.7 billion allocated against total losses of $14 billion across the country.
In addition to seeking immediate aid, the letter addresses the need for better crop insurance options as part of a broader farm safety net strategy outlined in the 2024 Farm Bill passed by the House Committee on Agriculture.
The delegation requests specific information from USDA by November 29, including policy statements on block grants within disaster-based programs and staffing plans for FSA offices.
"We appreciate your attention to this urgent matter," concluded the members of Congress in their communication with Secretary Vilsack.
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