Duval Times

Senator Rick Scott and Congressman Scott Franklin have led the Florida congressional delegation in urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to expedite disaster assistance for agricultural producers affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The hurricanes caused significant damage to Florida's agricultural sectors, including fruits, vegetables, dairy, cattle, citrus, and other specialty crops. According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), estimated losses range from $1.5 to $2.5 billion.

In a letter addressed to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, the delegation emphasized the need for block grants to distribute aid efficiently in Florida and other states with high volumes of disaster program applications that overwhelm local Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices. They also called for improvements in FSA operations and staffing issues.

The letter urged the USDA to request budgetary support from Congress through House and Senate Appropriations Committees for adequate disaster response funding. It also discussed crop insurance reforms aimed at helping specialty crop producers recover alongside disaster aid.

Currently, the USDA creates new programs after disasters which are administered by FSA. This process has been criticized for being cumbersome and delaying critical assistance delivery. Block grants administered by states are seen as a more efficient method of disbursement.

Senator Scott highlighted past successes with block grants following Hurricane Irma when Congress appropriated relief that was quickly delivered through such a grant system.

On June 12, 2023, an effort led by Senator Scott and Congressman Franklin resulted in the passage of the Block Grant Assistance Act in the House of Representatives; however, it awaits action in the Senate due to opposition from Leader Chuck Schumer.

The call for expedited aid is supported by several members of Congress including Senator Marco Rubio and numerous representatives from various districts across Florida.

Following Hurricane Ian's impact on Southwest Florida in 2022, Senator Scott has advocated for USDA block grants to assist farmers' recovery efforts. After Hurricane Helene, he continued these efforts by seeking immediate state block grant assistance through discussions with President Biden and Secretary Vilsack during meetings held earlier this month.

Senator Scott has announced legislation with Senator Rubio proposing $20 billion for FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund aimed at ensuring sufficient resources are available for immediate community aid following natural disasters like Hurricanes Milton and Helene.

Floridians seeking federal agency assistance can visit Senator Scott's website or contact local emergency management services via floridadisaster.org or @FLSERT on social media platforms.