USDA declares disaster for Florida farmers hit by severe freeze

 CLEWISTON, Fla.—The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services estimated that the harsh winter weather resulted in $3.1 billion in agricultural losses across Florida.

On Thursday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) signed a declaration of disaster to support Florida farmers affected by the freeze. This declaration allows farmers and ranchers in disaster-designated counties to apply for emergency farm loans to recover from significant damages and losses. 

In Southwest Florida, primary counties impacted include Glades and Hendry counties.

“Us farmers work on a very, very tight margin, and when you have a loss it's devastating,” said Chuck Obern, CEO of C & B Farms in Clewiston.

C & B Farms is still feeling the impact of the January cold snap. Obern explained that they covered 300 acres with freeze protection, costing over a million dollars, which also disrupted their sequential plantings.

“This freeze was the worst that I've seen in Florida since I've been here, probably since the 89 freeze,” said Gene McAvoy, an agricultural consultant and longtime farmer.

The disaster declaration aims to provide relief for impacted farmers, though McAvoy noted that it might take a few seasons for the aid to fully materialize.

“The federal government says they're going to fast track it, so it may be quicker this time, but in past years, it's taken a good two years,” McAvoy said.

Meanwhile, the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Florida announced that applications for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) would be accepted statewide to address damages from the winter weather on January 25 through January 27. ECP provides cost-share and technical assistance to restore farmland to pre-disaster conditions.

“Florida agriculture was greatly impacted by recent freezes, and the Farm Service Agency is here to help producers in the recovery process,” said Marcinda Kester, State Executive Director for FSA in Florida. 

Approved ECP applicants can receive up to 75% of the allowable cost of the approved restoration activity, with a maximum cost share of $500,000 per natural disaster event.

Obern expressed hope for positive outcomes, stating, “It would be really good if the government would actually come out to the farms... at least compensate for, you know, the time and effort to put out frost cover, attempting to save the crops.”

Farmers who have suffered significant losses due to the freeze have until November 4, 2026, to apply for assistance with the USDA. 

For more information on the Emergency Loan Program and who is eligible, click here.

For information on available disaster assistance resources, click here.