Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson commends $675 million disaster relief funding for the state’s agricultural industry announced by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins
Florida – In a significant boost to Florida’s agricultural community, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson expressed his strong support for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) announcement of over $675 million in disaster relief for the state’s agriculture sector. The relief comes on the heels of an incredibly difficult period for Florida farmers and ranchers, who have endured severe damage and losses from multiple hurricanes during the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
The USDA’s Secretary, Brooke Rollins, unveiled the $675,953,007 block grant funding to help Florida recover from the devastating effects of hurricanes Idalia, Debby, Helene, and Milton. According to estimates, these storms caused over $3 billion in damages to the state’s agriculture industry, affecting everything from crops to livestock, and even timber. The funding will provide much-needed support for the state’s producers, including farmers, ranchers, citrus growers, and timber operators who are working tirelessly to rebuild their operations and restore Florida’s vital agricultural sector.
In a statement of gratitude, Commissioner Wilton Simpson said, “I want to thank President Trump, Secretary Brooke Rollins, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture for recognizing the need for critical financial relief for our farmers, ranchers, and growers. Florida’s producers have endured back-to-back devastating hurricane seasons, and this funding is a major victory that will help them rebuild, recover, and continue feeding our state and nation. Food production is not just an economic issue, it’s a matter of national security – and we appreciate the President’s consistent support for our farmers.”
The disaster relief funding will be distributed to eligible agricultural producers in counties designated as primary or contiguous disaster areas. Those who are U.S. citizens or legal entities with ownership or risk in the affected commodities will be eligible for assistance. The funds will cover a range of needs including infrastructure damage, market loss compensation, citrus-specific impacts (such as economic loss projections), and timber damage. This wide scope of coverage will address the multifaceted nature of the losses sustained by Florida’s agricultural industry.
Authorized under the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2025 (P.L. 118-158), this relief program will be administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) in coordination with the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA). While disbursements are set to begin once the USDA approves FDACS’s detailed Work Plan, farmers and ranchers can expect to receive assistance to help them get back on their feet.
Commissioner Simpson emphasized that this funding is just one component of a broader effort to support Florida’s agriculture industry. “In addition to the federal relief, the state of Florida has allocated approximately $150 million through FDACS’ Agricultural and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program and timber recovery program. This funding will assist our producers with emergency capital to continue recovering from the impacts of these storms,” he said.
Florida’s agricultural community is a vital part of the state’s economy, and the state’s agriculture sector provides a significant portion of the food supply for the nation. The recent hurricane seasons have been particularly harsh, but with these resources, Florida’s farmers, ranchers, and growers now have the financial backing needed to rebuild their operations and continue their critical work.
The release of these funds marks a pivotal moment in Florida’s recovery efforts, and the relief will not only benefit local economies but also contribute to the stability of the nation’s food production. With the devastation of the hurricanes, this infusion of financial support comes as a lifeline for many.
For more information on eligibility, application procedures, and how to access these disaster relief funds, FDACS will soon release more details. Additionally, more information regarding Commissioner Simpson and FDACS’ ongoing efforts to support Florida’s agricultural community is available at the official FDACS website.
As Florida continues to rebuild from the storm damage, the support from both the state and federal governments is a crucial step toward helping the agriculture industry regain its footing and thrive once again.
