Flooding of Cotton Field After HurricaneThe Florida Department of Agriculture estimates that total losses to the agriculture industry will range between $1.5 and $2.5 billion. This is in addition to the over $1.5 billion in damage from Hurricanes Helene, Serby and Idailia over the past 13 months.

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson sent a disaster declaration request to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack for counties impacted by Hurricane Milton. He stated that the storm left a broad path of devastation that threatens Florida’s position as a leading agricultural producer and urged the USDA to expedite the review process, making assistance available through the Farm Service Agency and other USDA programs.

Florida’s agricultural sector contributes $88 billion annually to the state’s gross domestic product. Simpson cautions that without swift federal action, many agricultural operations could cease to exist.

On October 14 Simpson announced Florida farmers, ranchers and growers impacted by Hurricane Milton could apply for interest-free loans through the Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program. These loans may be used to restore, repair or replace essential physical property. This includes fences, equipment, greenhouses and other buildings. It may also be used to remove vegetative debris.

Read more on the losses due to Hurricane Milton here.