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Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) released the following statement today after meeting with members of the Florida Farm Bureau Federation:

“I always enjoy meeting with the good people of the Florida Farm Bureau. They take great pride in growing both our food and our economy, and their efforts are critical to our nation’s continued independence and strength. Today I reiterated my commitment to supporting their efforts in recovering disaster losses after Hurricane Irma, protecting Florida’s growers in NAFTA renegotiations, crafting a Farm Bill that sustains Florida’s high-value crop production, and combatting invasive pests and diseases like citrus greening.”
 
Photo courtesy of Senator Rubio’s office.

Background:

• In April, Rubio spoke directly with Secretary Perdue regarding the status of disaster relief and also urged him to effectively implement disaster funding. Following their conversation, USDA announced its implementation process for the $2.36 billion in disaster payments for farmers that was provided by Congress. ‎

• In February, Rubio was able to secure funding for Florida agriculture in the disaster supplemental.

• In November, Rubio stated that the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) proposed disaster supplemental was unacceptable for Florida farmers.

• In October, Rubio led nearly all members of the Florida congressional delegation in urging the leaders of the Senate and House appropriations committees to provide additional resources for hurricane recovery efforts in Florida.

• In September, Rubio hosted a discussion on recovery efforts with Florida agricultural leaders, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, and Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam, in Hendry County.

• Additionally, in September, Rubio visited Collier, Lee, Polk and Palm Beach Counties after Hurricane Irma, while staff hosted hurricane recovery assistance centers in the Florida Keys, Miami, St. Augustine, Jacksonville, Fort Myers,  Naples and Immokalee.