This week, the U.S. House passed a proposal from U.S. Rep. Scott Franklin, R-Fla., “to ensure the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) can provide needed relief to agriculture producers devastated by Hurricanes Ian and Nicole” without opposition.
At the end of January, U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., and Franklin brought out the “Block Grant Assistance Act,” with U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., co-sponsoring it. Since then, more than 30 co-sponsors have rallied behind the bill including every member of the Florida delegation.
“This bill will provide the Agriculture Secretary needed authority to provide block grants to the state of Florida to assist producers affected by the two hurricanes,” Franklin’s office noted.
“A Florida citrus comeback cannot be waylaid by hurricanes and greening, so I’m proud to help ensure that our U.S. Department of Agriculture has the back of growers and processors as they rebuild, replant and revive the harvests that fuel America’s breakfast table,” said Wasserman Schultz when the bill was introduced.
Backers of the proposal weighed in after the bill cleared the House on Monday.
“The Florida citrus industry is synonymous with the Sunshine State and the backbone of many of our rural communities,” Franklin said. “Extreme hurricane seasons, ongoing trade disadvantages and invasive diseases have forced citrus growers to navigate significant challenges. I’m pleased the House acted to provide needed support so Americans can continue to enjoy the staples our domestic citrus industry provides.”
“The loss and devastation caused by Hurricanes Ian and Nicole has forever changed communities across our state and the lives of so many Florida families and businesses. Folks in the Sunshine State are still picking up the pieces, and I’ve continued to work closely with USDA, FEMA and SBA to ensure they remain a top priority during this time of recovery. As we work to get the citrus and agriculture community back on their feet, I won’t stop fighting to make sure that the federal government keeps showing up. I applaud Congressman Franklin getting our Block Grant Assistance Act passed in the House. This legislation is a step in the right direction to ensure Florida’s agriculture industry gets the help they need, and I urge its immediate passage in the Senate,” said Scott.
The bill also has the support of some leaders of Florida’s agriculture community.
“I applaud the effectiveness of the Florida delegation led by Rep. Franklin. They sent a powerful message with a strong unanimous voice to protect Florida agriculture and connect them with much-needed relief. Producing our own food is key to our national security, and I thank our delegation for their support,” said state Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson.
“Back-to-back major storms in 2022 only compounded the challenges facing Florida growers who are already struggling to make a comeback,” said Matt Joyner, the CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual. “I am pleased that thanks to Representative Franklin the House acted to provide authority for this much-needed relief.
The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association is also backing the proposal.
With the bill now through the House, attention turns to the Senate, where the bill has been before the U.S. Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee since the end of January.
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