Concern mounting about crop damage

Florida’s agriculture industry continues to evaluate the impact of a two-week freeze on fruit and vegetables. Commissioner of Agriculture Charles Bronson estimates about one-third of the crop worth hundreds of millions of dollars has been lost.

The Florida Farm Bureau Federation is advising farmers who have sustained crop damage to document damage by taking photographs, contact the USDA Farm Service Agency in their counties, and prepare to file a claim, if they have crop insurance.

“We know many growers experienced severe losses due to the freeze,” said FFBF President John L. Hoblick. “We pledge to do everything we can to help these producers recover. The continued vitality of both our industry and Florida’s economy is at stake.”

Hoblick praised U.S. Rep. Adam Putnam for gathering strong bi-partisan support from Florida’s congressional delegation when he called for speedy federal reaction to the severe cold weather. A letter signed by Putnam, 11 other members of the House and both Florida senators asked for a thorough and expedited review of the damage assessment and emergency disaster declaration request when it is received.

In order for farmers to receive federal disaster assistance, the Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Gov. Charlie Crist must declare a disaster and request the Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture to take action. The new farm bill sets up a disaster program aimed at making a pool of dollars available for disaster assistance. Previously, disaster declarations required congressional action.

The Florida Farm Bureau Federation is the state’s largest general-interest agricultural association with about 140,000 member-families statewide. Headquartered in Gainesville, the Federation is an independent, nonprofit agricultural organization. More information about Florida Farm Bureau is available on the organization’s Web site, http://FloridaFarmBureau.org.