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Florida Launches Loan Program for Storm-Hit Farmers

Jan 29, 2025
By Farms.com

Interest-free Loans Aid Farmers in Rebuilding after Winter Storm

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture, Wilton Simpson, has introduced a new loan program aimed at aiding farmers, ranchers, and growers affected by the recent winter storm.

The Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program provides interest-free loans up to $500,000 to help producers rebuild.

"Delivering immediate support to agricultural producers impacted by the recent winter storm, like our nursery growers in North Florida who were hit especially hard, is a critical first step to get them back on their feet," said Commissioner Simpson.

This program will assist in restoring, repairing, or replacing damaged property and infrastructure, essential for the quick recovery of the agriculture sector.

Eligibility for the loans includes having sustained damage from the winter storm, with uses for the funds including repairing buildings, equipment, and removing debris. Producers are advised to document damage through photos and save all recovery-related receipts.

The program's introduction follows the allocation of $75 million by the Florida Legislature to support agricultural recovery efforts, highlighting the state's commitment to its agricultural community.

For more information on applying, producers can visit the program's official webpage or contact the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services directly.


Trending Video

US “Flash Drought” Worst in 133-160 Years + Disease taking a Bite out of US 2025 Corn/Soybean Crops

Video: US “Flash Drought” Worst in 133-160 Years + Disease taking a Bite out of US 2025 Corn/Soybean Crops


A dry August and a “flash drought” in the ECB (Eastern Corn Belt) the driest top 10 to 15 years in 150 to 160 years (Ohio the driest in 133 years) plus disease is taking a bite out of the 2025 U.S. corn and soybean crops.
It's going to be an early harvest. This could be the start of the 89-year drought cycle that may have been delayed until 2026 as La Nina maybe returning.
The USDA September crop report is all about record corn ears and record soybean counts but the October USDA crop report will be about pod and ear weights.
Stats Canada reported higher forecasts for the 2025 Canadian Prairies all wheat and canola crops vs. last year based on satellite imagery but are they overestimating production?
The 2025 Great ON Yield Tour and Quebec crop tours are projecting corn and soybean crops below the 10-year average.
China's Vice Commerce Ministry Li Chenggang visits Washington this week as we continue to connect the dots is a positive sign towards a China/U.S. trade deal. But will U.S. farmers have a winter without China as they buy more soybeans from Uruguay/Argentina? U.S. Northern Plain soybean farmers are seeing red with flat prices at $8.97/bu!
U.S. corn exports on record pace up 99% vs. last year.
Fund short covering continues in corn futures bottom is in!