WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Rick Scott released the below statement applauding President Donald Trump and Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins for their support of Florida’s citrus industry through the delivery of long-delayed disaster relief block grants. Florida’s citrus growers, who contribute more than $6.7 billion annually to the state’s economy, have faced significant challenges in recent years, including devastating hurricanes, citrus greening, and burdensome regulations. Despite Senator Scott fighting for this for years and the critical role this industry plays in Florida’s economy, the Biden administration withheld this much-needed aid for years, leaving growers without support.

Earlier this year, Senator Scott sent a letter to Secretary Rollins urging the Department of Agriculture to prioritize the release of these funds. Thanks to the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Rollins, this essential relief is finally reaching Florida’s iconic citrus industry.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Florida’s citrus growers are the backbone of our agricultural economy, and they’ve shown incredible strength in the face of repeated setbacks. I’ve fought for years to get this done and deliver the resources they need to recover from storms, but was met with constant stonewalling from the Biden administration, which put politics over helping Florida’s growers. Thank God we now have President Trump and Secretary Rollins, who are taking quick action to deliver on my request and get Florida’s agricultural community the critical resources to recover and thrive. The Sunshine State plays a unique and vital role in putting food on families’ tables all around the country, particularly during the winter months when we are the primary source of fresh fruits and vegetables for the eastern United States. Citrus isn’t just a part of our economy, it’s part of our identity, and our growers are national leaders in producing the specialty crops families depend on. From multiple devastating hurricanes to citrus greening, they’ve faced it all and kept pushing forward. I’m proud to stand alongside President Trump and Secretary Rollins as we continue to make Washington work better for families and support our vibrant agriculture industry.” 

###