TALLAHASSEE, Florida — Florida’s congressional delegation on Tuesday asked federal officials to back reforms meant to speed up payments to state farmers who are suffering from recent hurricanes.
Florida’s two senators and 28 House members signed a letter to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack urging the Department of Agriculture to back disaster assistance reforms. They include legislation granting block grant authority the delegation said is needed to expedite relief payments to agricultural producers.
“USDA must work to deliver aid to communities affected by disasters as quickly and efficiently as possible,” the letter said.
The delegation also called for changes in disaster assistance programs and crop insurance and for adequate staffing for Farm Service Agency county offices.