Florida Opens Interest Free Disaster Loans for Farmers Hit by Hurricane Isaias

Florida’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) opened applications on October 12 for interest free disaster recovery loans of up to $500,000 for farmers affected by Hurricane Isaias, which struck the Florida Panhandle near Destin on October 9 as a Category 2 hurricane. The loans are available to eligible agricultural and aquaculture producers with damage in 30 designated counties and can be used to repair or replace essential property such as fencing, equipment, greenhouses and buildings, or to remove debris. Aquaculture producers may also use the funds for restocking.

The program matters for farms facing immediate recovery costs and possible disruptions to normal production, though it provides financing rather than outright grants. FDACS has not announced a final statewide estimate of agricultural losses. Separately, the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences has asked producers to submit damage information to help measure the storm’s impact on Florida agriculture.