First loan approved for Hurricane Idalia-impacted farmers

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson announced the approval of the first Hurricane Idalia recovery loan Friday.

It comes via the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program.

This month, Simpson and legislative leaders announced the launch of two first-of-their-kind agricultural disaster recovery programs.

$112 million in funding is available to help Florida farmers, ranchers, and growers “rebuild and recover” from Hurricane Idalia, according to the press release.

Hurricane Idalia hit the big bend region in August 2023.

“We are proud to announce the approval of this first loan for Hurricane Idalia impacted farmers, and to do so while in the middle of legislative session and only a week after the recovery programs launched represents extraordinary progress in supporting our agriculture community,” Simpson said.

The department said over 250 agriculture operations have started the process to apply for these programs.

During a November 2023 special session, lawmakers passed HB 1-C, which gave funding for recovery programs for farmers and producers.

The two programs available are the following, according to Simpson’s office:

Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program

• $75 million is available for low-interest or interest-free loans up to $500,000 for eligible agriculture and aquaculture producers that have experienced damage or destruction from Hurricane Idalia.
• Loans may be used to restore, repair, or replace essential physical property, including fences, equipment, greenhouses, and other buildings, or to remove vegetative debris.
• Interested producers can learn more or apply here.

Silviculture Recovery Program

• $37.5 million is available to assist eligible timber landowners through cost-share grants in declared counties damaged from Hurricane Idalia with site preparation and tree planting activities.
• Grants will be up to 75% of the costs for site preparation and tree planting costs with a maximum award of $250,000.
• Interested producers can learn more or apply here.