Florida's Commissioner of Agriculture, Wilton Simpson, has announced the launch of an interest-free loan program aimed at aiding farmers, ranchers, and growers affected by Hurricane Helene. The Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program will offer financial assistance to restore, repair, or replace essential physical property such as fences, equipment, greenhouses, and other buildings. The loans can also be used for removing vegetative debris.
"Providing immediate support to Florida’s agricultural producers in the aftermath of a natural disaster, especially in a region that’s still recovering from Idalia and Debby, is essential to safeguarding our food supply and our state and nation's food security," said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. "Through the state-funded and administered Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program, we’re providing an immediate and efficient gap financing until additional federal resources are available to impacted producers, and we’re ensuring that Florida's agriculture community continues to thrive."
Farmers impacted by Hurricane Helene are advised to document any property damage with photographs and retain all receipts related to recovery efforts. Detailed information on how to apply for the loans is available on the program’s webpage.
Producers who previously received funds for damages from Hurricane Debby may also be eligible for this new round of funding. However, applicants cannot receive more than one loan per storm, two loans per year, or five loans within a three-year period.
The loan program was established following a special legislative session in November 2023 when the Florida Legislature passed House Bill 1-C. This bill allocated $75 million to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for a revolving loan fund designed to help agriculture and aquaculture producers recover from natural disasters.
For further details about Commissioner Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FDACS.gov.
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