Representative Kat Cammack (R-FL) is joining Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins for the public signing of a disaster declaration for Florida counties affected by the recent historic winter freeze, providing relief for farmers and producers.
In February, Rep. Cammack and Representative Vern Buchanan (R-FL) led the whole of Florida's Congressional delegation in demanding the disaster relief, calling it a "national security issue" and saying, "Florida farmers are facing a devastating crop crisis caused by freezing temperatures, all while being responsible for feeding 150 million Americans during the winter. A nation that cannot feed itself cannot secure itself."
Rep. Buchanan added, "Florida agriculture is facing a crisis after record-breaking freezes devastated crops across our state. Proud to join [Kat Cammack] and members of the Florida Delegation in urging USDA to issue a Disaster Declaration so farmers and ranchers can recover."
Preliminary reports from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services already estimate that the recent deep freeze has caused $3.1 billion in losses across the state, with sugarcane alone bearing the brunt of it at $1.15 billion.
Citrus, Florida's signature crop, suffered $674 million in losses, while strawberries ($307 million), sweet corn ($255 million), and greenhouse/nursery plants ($240 million) were also the most heavily affected by the record-low temperatures in January and February.
Other crops that suffered millions in damages include potatoes, watermelons, tomatoes, bell peppers, blueberries, squash, and cabbage.
The new USDA declaration comes just days after Rep. Cammack was able to secure $600 million in relief funds for Florida farmers who suffered losses from the 2023-2024 hurricanes, including Idalia, Helene, Debby, and Milton.
"Florida's farmers, ranchers, citrus growers, and timber producers are the backbone of our state's economy, and they've endured tremendous losses over the past two hurricane seasons," the Florida congresswoman previously said, adding, "As the only Floridian on the House Agriculture Committee, I fought to ensure our producers were not left behind."
