Press

February 17, 2026

USDA Risk Management Agency released 
MGR-26-001: Claims Advisory - 2026 Freeze
Damage to Blueberries in Florida and Georgia, which addresses issues from the recent freeze event. This includes situations where growers have no “harvestable” fruit left and where growers determined it would be more damaging to run overhead freeze protection. Approved Insurance Providers (AIP) are encouraged to work with the growers and local
agricultural experts when making determinations covered in this Advisory. 

FULL ADVISORY

Summary: Botrytis poses an increased risk on damaged buds, bloom, and fruit.

 Consider management inputs. Stem blight will likely be severe post harvest. Root rot

not likely an immediate concern, despite extra water.

 FULL ARTICLE ONLINE

February 2026

Commissioner Wilton Simpson Announces Agricultural Producers Can Soon Apply for Over $600M in Hurricane Disaster Relief, Asks Federal Government to Use Approved Program to Immediately Fund Relief for the 2026 Ice Storm

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Press Release