Ray Royce
Citrus growers affected by Hurricane Irma are reminded that signup for assistance through the 2017 Wildfires and Hurricanes Indemnity Program (WHIP) ends Nov. 16, 2018.
Ray Royce, executive director of the Highlands Country Citrus Growers Association, says it is imperative for growers to make formal arrangements to secure an application appointment for WHIP and the State Block Grant Program prior to Nov. 16.
To apply for WHIP, growers must contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency (FSA). For more information, visit www.farmers.gov/recover/whip.
“Your application appointment date does not need to be before Nov. 16, however you must be in their books for an appointment prior to that date or you will be absolutely and completely ineligible for program application and payment consideration,” advises Royce.
According to Royce, USDA has clarified that both crop and tree insurance will be required for the State Block Grant Program funding. He says growers cannot make a State Block Grant Program appointment through the FSA office staff. “You have to go through the State Block Grant Program hotline (863-800-0342) or e-mail (citrus@em.myflorida.com) in order to set up an appointment for that program,” he explains.
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