Wasserman Schultz Introduces Bipartisan Agriculture Relief Bill to Provide Florida Farm, Citrus Support

Washington, October 5, 2026
“Congress needs to have the back of America’s farmers, and I’m proud to work across the aisle to make sure the crops and agricultural resources that fuel American families are protected from increasingly extreme weather threats, something our own citrus industry faces in Florida,” said Wasserman Schultz. “From timber to food on our tabletops, we need every tool at hand to help farmers recover from natural disasters.”

Washington, D.C.— Today, U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Scott Franklin (FL-18), Darren Soto (FL-09) and Kat Cammack (FL-03) introduced the Restore Agricultural Investment, Stability and Expansion (RAISE) Act of 2026, to provide the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) with the standing authority to help American farmers and growers recover after natural disasters by issuing block grants.

“Congress needs to have the back of America’s farmers, and I’m proud to work across the aisle to make sure the crops and agricultural resources that fuel American families are protected from increasingly extreme weather threats, something our own citrus industry faces in Florida,” said Wasserman Schultz. “From timber to food on our tabletops, we need every tool at hand to help farmers recover from natural disasters.”

“The devastating freeze Florida farmers faced this past February was another reminder of how quickly a natural disaster can threaten years of hard work,” said Franklin. “Our growers face hurricanes, freezes, droughts, floods and other disasters, and they need a reliable way to recover when disaster strikes. This bill gives USDA permanent authority to provide flexible block grants for high-value and specialty crop losses so assistance can reach producers faster. I’m pleased we secured this provision in the House-passed Farm Bill and will continue working with Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz to get it across the finish line.”

“Glad to join Reps. Franklin, Wasserman Schultz, and Soto on this effort to support our Florida producers,” said Cammack. “When extreme weather threatens our crops, as is often the case in the Sunshine State, we must be prepared to help our farmers recover and continue the important work of feeding our nation.” 

“In Central Florida, our farmers, ranchers, and growers have struggled after devastating hurricanes,” said Soto. “As these natural disasters get stronger, we must work to ensure that they have the resources to recover, maintain their livelihoods, and keep feeding America.”

“Florida's citrus industry knows firsthand the devastating impacts of freezes, hurricanes and other disasters on crops. In times of disaster, America's growers and farmers need timely support to recover and replant,” said Matt Joyner, EVP and CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual. “Florida's citrus growers are grateful to our state’s Congressional members, including Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Kat Cammack, Darren Soto and Scott Franklin, for their leadership and commitment to advancing the RAISE Act. The legislation seeks to give the United States Department of Agriculture tools to quickly deliver block grant assistance in the wake of disasters, helping Florida citrus and the greater agriculture industry recover and continue producing for America's families.”

More than 90 percent of all Florida citrus production was impacted by hurricanes in 2022, totaling 375,302 acres. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services expects these devastating losses to cost the industry as much as $675 million. Florida citrus generates $6.8 billion in annual revenue and supports 33,000 jobs.

Click here for the full text of the legislation.

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