Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has accepted the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ request to extend access to free school meals through November 30 for all students in Monroe, Collier and Lee counties, which are still recovering from Hurricane Irma and subject to a FEMA Major Disaster Declaration. Collier, Lee and Monroe counties have 191 schools and 138,000 students.
Parents or guardians looking for additional info can contact the department at 1-800-504-6609 or [email protected].
Commissioner Adam Putnam
Statement by Florida Commissioner of Agriculture on First Citrus Crop Forecast of the Season
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam released the following statement today after the U.S. Department of Agriculture released its initial citrus crop forecast for the 2017-2018 season:
“Hurricane Irma’s path could not have been more lethal to Florida citrus. I am concerned that today’s forecast does not accurately estimate the damages to our industry, given that groves are still under water and fruit is still dropping from trees. It’s important to recognize that the damage to Florida citrus is still unfolding, and will continue to for some time.
“One thing is clear, Florida’s growers need support and they need it fast. I will continue to work with leaders in Washington to get Florida’s growers the support and relief they need to rebuild as quickly as possible. There is no group of people more stubborn or more resilient than Florida’s growers, and we will get through this together.”
The USDA’s forecast today of 54 million boxes of oranges for the 2017-2018 season is down from the 68.7 million boxes harvested last season.
In the wake of Hurricane Irma, Commissioner Putnam announced that Florida citrus sustained more than $760 million in damages. Commissioner Putnam also joined Governor Rick Scott and Florida’s Congressional Delegation this week in Washington D.C to discuss the recent damage caused by Hurricane Irma and to request federal assistance.
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.
Excerpts from Commissioner Adam Putnam’s Remarks to Florida Congressional Delegation in Washington, D.C.
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam joined Governor Rick Scott to discuss the recent agricultural damage caused by Hurricane Irma and to request federal assistance. The following are excerpts from his remarks:
“The Florida delegation has a long history of coming together in the aftermath of these types of disasters and bringing the full weight of the third largest delegation in support of our state.
“We’re grateful for you being here and for your efforts on our behalf. Every single one of your districts has been impacted, if not by Irma, then by Nate and by the continued fallout of Hurricane Maria in ways that will continue to affect Florida.
“The Governor has done an extraordinary job before, during and after the storm managing this crisis.
“The one area that doesn’t historically have a standing program of assistance is disaster assistance for agriculture, for the things we grow in Florida. Florida agriculture has historically been the zebra of American agriculture. Most US ag policy is designed for Midwestern program crops.
“So dragon fruit, and jackfruit, and avocados in Homestead, and the citrus industry throughout the state, and the winter vegetable industry historically have not had the risk management tools or disaster assistance tools that other parts of US agricultural commodities have had, which is why we’re here.
“The simple ask is that disaster assistance for agriculture relief be included in the bill that’s moving this week. I know that’s a short turnaround, I know that’s a heavy lift, but time is of the essence for supporting growers who have between 50- and 100-percent of their crop on the ground.
“So this is a broad calamity for the second largest industry in the state. The preliminary economic reports peg the loss at $2.5 billion.
“You can stand in any orange grove in Florida right now and listen to the fruit hitting the ground like rainfall because of the longer-term damage that continues to play out. You can walk through any grove in Florida and smell the rot of fruit that was just weeks away from being harvested and, as the Governor said, for the first time in years may have been a larger crop than the year before.
“As it is today, the official crop estimate will come out tomorrow, and I put zero stock in it because there’s no way they have an accurate count of the estimate they’ll release tomorrow based on the continued damage that’s falling out from Hurricane Irma and the fact that they pulled their limb counters out of the groves at a time when they didn’t have an accurate picture of the long-term damage to the trees and to the crop.
“We’re looking at catastrophic losses across these commodities and so with that, I’ll close by saying our ask is that the bill that the House will take up this week that it include the $2.5 billion to be directed to the USDA for the USDA to then administer the program.”
Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam to Discuss Agricultural Damage with Senate Agriculture Committee
MEDIA ADVISORY
Tomorrow, Oct. 12, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam will discuss agricultural damage caused by Hurricane Irma with the Senate Agriculture Committee.
Event: Commissioner Adam Putnam discusses agricultural damage with Senate Agriculture Committee
Date: Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017
Time: Approx. 10 a.m.
Location: 301 Senate Office Building, The Capitol, Tallahassee, Fla. 32399
Commissioner Putnam Highlights National Fire Prevention Week
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam and the Florida Forest Service are highlighting the dangers associated with wildfire and reminding Floridians to prioritize wildfire prevention and preparation during National Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 8-14.
“Following one of the worst wildfire seasons in years, it’s vital that Floridians are prepared to keep homes, property and wildlife safe from wildfire,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “Fire Prevention Week is a great opportunity for citizens to establish a fire prevention plan.”
Several measures that Floridians have already taken this year to prepare for hurricanes, such as creating a “go kit” and evacuation plan, are useful in case of wildfire. Wildfire danger levels usually increase throughout Florida after hurricane season concludes due to drying debris from the storms.
The 2017 Fire Prevention Week theme, “Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out!” is a helpful reminder to formulate a fire prevention plan for both inside and outside the home. These tips can serve as the foundation for a fire prevention plan:
- Keep dry and dead debris away from homes, fences and decks.
- Keep roof and gutters free from debris such as pine needles, leaves, and branches.
- Keep flammable materials like gasoline and firewood away from homes.
- Have 30 feet of defensible space around homes and sheds.
“As you create a fire escape plan for the interior of your home, fire preparedness and prevention is equally critical for your home exterior and yard,” said State Forester Jim Karels.
Florida Forest Service offices will host and participate in community events across the state to raise awareness of fire prevention. For more information, consumers should contact their local wildfire mitigating specialist.
The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, manages more than 1 million acres of state forests and provides forest management assistance on more than 17 million acres of private and community forests. The Florida Forest Service is also responsible for protecting homes, forestland and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire on more than 26 million acres. Learn more at FloridaForestService.com.
Commissioner Adam Putnam Waives Rules to Help Puerto Ricans Evacuate with Pets
In an effort to support the safe evacuation of Puerto Ricans and their pets, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam issued an emergency order suspending import paperwork requirements for pets that arrive in Florida with their evacuee owners. This emergency order does not apply to stray animals or livestock.
“Our fellow Americans in Puerto Rico face a long road to recovery, and they need all the support we can provide,” said Commissioner Adam H. Putnam. “By removing some of the hurdles for evacuees coming to Florida with companion pets, we’re making the process of evacuating to Florida easier.”
The following import requirements are temporarily suspended:
- Rule 5C-3.002(1), F.A.C. – All animals OCVI/Health Certificates requirement;
- Rule 5C-3.009(1) and (3), F.A.C. – Dogs and Cats OCVI/Health Certificates and rabies vaccination requirements; and
- Rule 5C-3.0012(1), F.A.C. – Domestic Fowl OCVI/Health Certificates requirement.
For additional details on the emergency order, contact the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at 1-800-HELP-FLA.
Commissioner Adam Putnam’s Statement on the Passing of Deputy Shaun Feverston
Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam issued the following statement regarding the passing of Deputy Shaun Feverston of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office:
“Today, we are tragically reminded of the great sacrifices that Florida’s law enforcement officers make on a daily basis, all for the sake of their fellow Floridians. My prayers are with Deputy Feverston’s family, loved ones and the entire Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.”
Commissioner Adam Putnam, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and Other Officials Survey Damage to Florida Agriculture
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, Senator Marco Rubio, Congressman Tom Rooney and Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart today surveyed agricultural damage from Hurricane Irma and met with affected farmers in Clewiston, Fla.
Commissioner Putnam Announces Free School Meals for All K-12 Students in 48 Counties Impacted by Hurricane Irma
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam announced today the U.S. Department of Agriculture accepted a request to allow all students in 48counties subject to a FEMA Major Disaster Declaration access to free school meals through the National School Lunch Program. These changes, in effect Sept. 18 – Oct. 20, will potentially impact over 3,000 schools and 2.5 million children. The department is requesting additional flexibilities as counties are being declared major disaster areas and as requests are submitted by counties. As such, additional counties could be added to the waiver in the coming days.
All Students in the following counties can access free school meals through the National School Lunch Program from Sept.18 – Oct. 20, 2017: Charlotte, Collier, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Pinellas, Broward, Palm Beach, Glades, Hendry, Sarasota, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns, Brevard, Citrus, DeSoto, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Indian River, Lake, Marion, Martin, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Polk, St. Lucie, Seminole, Sumter, Volusia, Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Lafayette, Levy, Nassau, Suwannee and Union.
Parents or guardians can find additional information here or contact the department at 1-800-504-6609 or [email protected].
Commissioner Adam Putnam Issues Emergency Order
Commissioner Adam H. Putnam Issues Emergency Order Waiving Fee to Replace
Concealed Weapon and Security Guard Licenses Damaged or Lost in Hurricane
In the wake of Hurricane Irma, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam today issued an emergency order to waive the fees to replace Florida concealed weapon licenses and security guard licenses that were lost or destroyed during the hurricane.
“Hurricane Irma devastated Florida, and the last thing someone needs to worry about is paying a fee to have their concealed weapon license or security guard license replaced,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam.
Consumers who wish to request a replacement concealed weapon or security guard license must submit a statement to the department explaining that their license was lost, damaged or stolen. This statement must be notarized.
Requests for replacement concealed weapon licenses should be mailed to: The Division of Licensing, P.O. Box 6387, Tallahassee, Fla., 32314-6387. Requests for replacement security guard licenses should be mailed to: The Division of Licensing, P.O. Box 5767, Tallahassee, Fla., 32314-5767.
For more information on Florida concealed weapon and security guard licenses, visit FreshFromFlorida.com/CWL.
