Florida growers eligible for disaster relief

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.
U.S. Rep Suzanne Kosmas told the Daytona Beach News Journal 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.