Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. John Mica announced today that progress has been made with federal officials to assist Florida potato growers who lost their major spring crop this past May.
        With record flooding and damages estimated to cost $45 million, job losses could continue to mount if our potato farmers do not become eligible for the federal crop insurance payments they are due.  Unlike Wall Street and Detroit, all our farmers request is the timely payment on insurance claims for which they have already paid premiums.
        “More than 85 percent of the affected farmers in St. Johns, Volusia, Putnam and Flagler Counties had enrolled in crop insurance programs,” explained Rep. Mica.  “The problem is getting timely payments out so that farmers can plant again this fall and keep operating and employing people.”
        Florida is one of the top potato producers in the United States and employs thousands of workers across the region.  Mica said following a meeting with U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Under Secretary Michael Scuse that the USDA is prepared to act immediately as soon as local damage assessments are completed.
        Final assessments should be finished in the coming weeks and a declaration of emergency assistance will make growers eligible for low cost loans and other federal assistance programs.  Unfortunately, many farmers will not receive insurance payments until 2010 under current law and regulations.
        Mica said he will continue to work in Congress to speed up the insurance payment process.  “This will keep farms open and help keep workers in their jobs,” the 7th District Congressman concluded.
        For information on federal agriculture assistance programs, those interested should contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, Florida Office, at (352) 379-4580.