New Bill Aims To Help Florida Growers Hit by Hurricanes Ian and Nicole

Florida Senator Rick Scott has introduced the Block Grant Assistance Act, a critical bill to ensure USDA can provide needed relief to agriculture producers devastated by Hurricanes Ian and Nicole. Senator Marco Rubio cosponsored the legislation and Representatives Scott Franklin and Debbie Wasserman Schultz co-led the legislation in the House of Representatives.

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Industry organizations supporting the legislation include Florida Citrus Mutual and Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association.

More than 90% of all Florida citrus production was impacted by these storms, totaling 375,302 acres. Early damage estimates conducted by UF/IFAS economists and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services pegged losses to the ag industry at nearly $2 billion.

Impacts are still being felt as 2022-2023 citrus crop estimates from USDA are predicting historically low production.

“Thanks to Representative Franklin and Senator Scott for fighting for Florida’s citrus growers,” says Matt Joyner, Executive VP/CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual. “Just as the industry was on the verge of a comeback, Hurricanes Ian and Nicole dealt us another blow. The Block Grant Assistance Act will enable Florida’s citrus growers to rebuild and replant so we can continue to harvest and produce America’s favorite breakfast juice.”

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Mike Joyner, President of the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association, echoed the sentiments. “The statewide toll of Hurricanes Ian and Nicole on the Florida agricultural industry was devastating. The supplemental disaster relief funding in the omnibus bill secured critically needed support for the industry’s recovery efforts. However, it failed to recognize the full impact and reach those who needed it most. The introduction of this bill will provide flexibility to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to better address grower needs. We are grateful to Congressman Franklin and Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz, who heard the industry’s concerns and are championing this needed change.”

Click here to access the full text of the Block Grant Assistance Act.

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