USDA has designated 60 counties in Florida as primary natural disaster areas caused by cold weather and freezing conditions that occurred in January. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack said this action would assist hundreds of farmers who suffered significant losses to a wide variety of crops. Farm operators in some Alabama and Georgia counties also qualify for natural disaster assistance.
Cut fern growers in Volusia County were particularly hard hit by the freezing temperatures. U.S. Rep Suzanne Kosmas told the Daytona Beach News Journal that the fern growers lost about 60% of their crop with an estimated sales value of $40 million. She said the loss occurred just at the beginning of their peak Valentine’s cutting season.
Eric Hagstrom at Albin Hagstrom & Sons, a cut fern grower in Pierson, told the newspaper that his operation suffered about a 60% loss. He said he was cautious about the disaster relief program because of its rules. He said similar programs in the past have meant well, but were limiting in who qualified to receive the emergency loans. Qualified growers could receive loans up to $500,000 at 3.75% interest.
Kosmas told the paper other damage estimates in Volusia County included nursery losses of $35 million. She said the ornamental growers were particularly hard hit because they are already suffering from the weak economy and the impact it has had on housing and landscaping.[