Diaz-Balart Announces Legislation to Assist Nurseries and Tropical Fruit Growers Hurt by Hurricanes
Diaz-Balart Announces Legislation to Assist Nurseries and Tropical Fruit Growers Hurt by Hurricanes
MIAMICongressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.) today announced legislation he has introduced in Congress to aid nursery owners and tropical fruit growers impacted by Hurricanes Dennis, Katrina and Rita. The Nursery and Tropical Fruit Producer Hurricane Relief Act (H.R. 4031) provides much needed assistance to agricultural producers.
"When Hurricane Katrina slogged its way across Miami-Dade County, it devastated our area's nurseries and tropical fruit farms," Diaz-Balart said. "While these nurseries and farms will recover, federal assistance will help make that recovery easier and quicker. This legislation will make available the funds necessary to offset crop losses while also making permanent changes to existing disaster programs in order to include nurseries."
Overall, Hurricane Katrina caused over $427 million in crop losses to Miami-Dade County agricultural producers. Structural damages are estimated at an additional $200 million. The nursery industry suffered crop losses of over $370 million, and 22,578 acres of farmland were affected. In Florida, agriculture provides $62 billion in economic impacts. Agriculture is Miami-Dade County's second leading industry.
http://www.house.gov/mariodiaz-balart/news/2005news/101405_nurserylegislation.htm