If you’re a regular reader of Central Florida Ag News, you’ve heard me talk time and again about the resilience of Florida’s farmers — specifically our citrus growers. And now, as many Florida growers started the month fresh off a potentially catastrophic freeze event, we’re getting a firsthand glimpse of that same grit and adaptability on display across other sectors of agriculture as well. In this edition, we take a closer look at the fallout from the recent wintry weather, with insight from growers working in citrus, strawberries, and blueberries.
Recently, Florida Ag Commissioner Wilton Simpson announced that beginning February 25, agricultural producers will be able to apply for more than $600 million in disaster assistance tied to impacts from the 2023 and 2024 hurricane seasons. Perhaps one of the most important points to note is that Simpson is asking the federal government for approval to use Florida’s disaster block grant program to immediately deliver relief to agriculture producers reeling from the 2026 ice storm.
Through the Florida Block Grant Disaster Relief Program, eligible agricultural producers may apply for grant funding to assist with infrastructure damage, market loss, citrus loss, and timber damage from recent hurricanes.
In addition, several organizations — including the Florida Farm Bureau, North American Blueberry Council, and Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association — are helping their members determine eligibility and navigate next steps.
According to a Florida Politics report, U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack led a bipartisan letter to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins requesting a disaster declaration in the wake of the cold weather. That letter came on the heels of a similar request from Simpson just a week prior.
As the saying goes, help is on the way. Hang in there, growers.