Oct 6, 2022

Hurricane relief fund started for Florida growers

To aid farmers in recovering from Hurricane Ian, the Florida Farm Bureau has started a relief fund.

The Hurricane Ian Relief Fund for Agriculture is designed to assist Florida farmers and ranchers affected by the Sept. 28-30 storm which ravaged the Sunshine State.

Contributions will provide support for farm families statewide who have experienced a Hurricane Ian-inflicted agricultural-loss. All donations will be tax deductible.

Donors can make checks payable to: Florida Farm Bureau Women’s Fund, Memo: Hurricane Ian Relief Fund for Agriculture, P.O. Box 147030 Gainesville, FL, 32614, or contribute online via the webpage.

The powerful Category 4 storm’s winds and rains caused massive human and property losses and damaged many crops, including tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash, melons and strawberries.

“It is our calling to help restore the livelihood of farmers and ranchers,” Florida Farm Bureau President Jeb Smith said in a news release. “So many farm families have suffered devastating loss and will be rebuilding and replanting for months. The disaster relief fund is one example of how Floridians can give back to our state’s farmers and ranchers who provide them with a fresh, wholesome food supply, all while maintaining our natural resources.”

Ian struck southwest Florida on Sept. 28, during the critical planting time for Florida fall produce, which generally begins in November. Growers believe the storm could affect fall plantings, but the full extent may not be known for several weeks, according to the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association.

Facing widespread destruction of crops, buildings, fencing and other property losses due to substantial wind and water damage, growers throughout the state are repairing greenhouses, structures, irrigation systems and other machinery and equipment, according to the farm bureau. The organization is working with its members on damage assessment.