April 2005 - Page 1

Volume 12 - No.4

Citrus Disaster Payments Slow But Sure

As we approach the eight month anniversary of Hurricane Charlie, many growers have not received their disaster compensation funds.  As time drags on and bills mount, frustrations run high.

PRVCGA continues to look for ways in which to speed the process.  As a part of this process, you should have already received a phone call from our staff to verify whether you have or have not received your funds.  We have been unable to reach some members and have attempted to leave messages for growers we have not contacted.  Here is what we have determined to date.

Of the growers contacted to date, approximately one third of our membership has not received their payments.  This percentage could very well go higher as growers we have been unable to contact report back to the association.  There does not seem to be a pattern as to how the funds have been paid to date.  Payments do not tract as to their date of application.   There is a perception that smaller less complex applications have been paid, while other more complex application with multiple entities have not.  This has also not proven to be the case amongst our members. 

We have created a list of growers who need assistance in obtaining their funding.  The list is being used in a many ways in hopes of speeding payments to our members.  Staff has spent time in the local FSA office trying to better understand the delays in order to communicate the proper information to program officials, legislators, as well as answering your many questions.  Needless to say, the problems are numerous, but the local staff is doing everything in their power to speed payments.

We continue to recommend any grower who has not received payment contact Senator Bill Nelson’s regional director, Stacey Smith.  She can be reached by phone at (239)334-7760, by facsimile at (239)334-7710 or by email at Stacey_Smith@BillNelson.Senate.Gov.  Stacey will take basic information them send you a form to sign enabling Senator Nelson to work on your behalf.

Save the Date!

The Peace River &

Manasota Basins

BMP Kick-Off Event

Wednesday

May 18, 2005

11:00 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Putnam’s

El Clair Ranch

Wauchula

Hosted by:

The Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services

The University of Florida/IFAS

Peace River Valley Citrus Growers Association

Watch the May edition of the Citrus Grower for more details.