TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis requested last week that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issue a Disaster Declaration for counties impacted by freezing temperatures.
DeSantis also requested in his letter any assistance available under the Farm Service and other USDA programs to assist recovery efforts for agricultural producers. The letter is available here. More information about the USDA Disaster Declaration process is available here.
“Florida’s farmers play a key role in our state’s economy and my administration is committed to their recovery from the recent freezing temperatures,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “I’ve requested that the USDA approve all assistance available so that Florida’s agriculture community can protect remaining crops and prevent any further losses.”
From Jan. 29 – Jan. 31, a strong cold front brought prolonged record-breaking freezing temperatures that damaged crops.
“Our farmers suffered significant losses after freezing temperatures damaged crops during a critical time in the harvesting season,” said Florida Division of Emergency Management Director (FDEM) Kevin Guthrie. “Through this request, Gov. DeSantis is ensuring Florida’s agricultural producers have every resource available to them as they continue their recovery efforts. The Division remains committed to supporting these efforts and continuing to work with impacted counties.”
Prior to weather impacts, FDEM hosted calls with counties to identify unmet needs. It coordinated with the Florida Department of Citrus and prepared the deployment of Recovery Damage Assessment Teams.
Governor DeSantis also issued Executive Order 22-27 to provide assistance to impacted counties. The Executive Order directs state agencies to respond to the emergency and allowed certain size and weight restrictions to be waived in order to quickly transport emergency equipment, supplies, personnel or agricultural food commodities and citrus.