Citing damage to the citrus industry, 23 of Florida’s 27 U.S. representatives signed a letter to House leaders asking for $1.5 billion in disaster funds for the state’s agricultural industry. Some farm leaders hope the aid will be part of a funding bill to keep the federal government operating past this Friday, when short-term funding runs out.
“Hurricane Irma hit Florida over two months ago and the losses this storm caused to Florida’s agriculture industry … are staggering,” wrote the lawmakers. “For the citrus growers, fruit is still dropping off the trees. The trees’ root systems are rotting; there is no telling how badly this will affect the industry’s future and so far, no effective federal aid has been delivered.” The letter said the latest White House proposal for hurricane relief would require cuts in programs that battle citrus greening disease.
Rep. Tom Rooney, who organized the bipartisan letter to House leaders, has proposed language that would allow USDA to work with state officials and provide $1.5 billion in emergency assistance. State agriculture commissioner Adam Putnam said he supported the disaster assistance. Putnam’s department estimated hurricane losses at $2.5 billion statewide.