The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA) recently sought disaster aid in a letter to Florida’s congressional delegation and joined other agricultural groups in asking President Trump for economic assistance.
FREEZE ASSISTANCE
FFVA Chair Steven Callaham and President Michael Joyner on March 20 asked the Florida delegation’s support in securing supplemental disaster funding for Florida specialty crop producers affected by recent severe winter weather.
“Florida’s agricultural community is resilient, yet recovery from this widespread weather event will require time and resources,” the letter stated. “Many producers are still addressing the immediate aftermath, and federal assistance would greatly support their path to recovery … We urge you to advocate for and approve supplemental disaster funding as soon as possible. Timely federal assistance will help stabilize Florida’s agricultural sector, support local economies and ensure continued availability of fresh produce for consumers nationwide.”
The letter continued: “Upon federal approval, we respectfully request that appropriated funds be administered by the state of Florida through the existing Florida Block Grant Disaster Relief Program, which is well positioned to deliver aid efficiently to those most in need.”
See the full letter to the congressional delegation here.
MARKET RELIEF
The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance submitted a letter to Trump. More than 50 agricultural organizations, including FFVA and several citrus associations, signed the letter.
“As the Administration considers what needs to be included in a defense supplemental package in the coming weeks, we urge you to include much-needed market relief for America’s farmers,” the letter stated.
Reasons cited for seeking the relief include recent adverse weather conditions throughout the United States, skyrocketing fuel and fertilizer prices and maritime freight disruptions from the ongoing conflict in Iran.
The letter to Trump includes numerous specific assistance requests. See the full letter here.
Source: FFVA
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