Florida Still Tallying Agricultural Losses from Hurricane Ian

Hurricane Ian’s destructive path in Florida last month has yet to culminate in a final agricultural loss tally. Heavy damage was done to the citrus industry and other fruit trees, but it likely won’t demolish the future productivity of the trees. The Florida Agricultural Statistics Service also reported that strawberry, tomato and watermelon fields suffered significant damage and loss due to Hurricane Ian, including up to 70% fruit loss in heavily-damaged counties, though the extent of damage will largely vary by crop and region.

Some areas of the state did not incur any structural damage and very little crop damage. It could still take several weeks for the extent of the damage to the specialty crop industry to be fully realized, though the state’s Fruit and Vegetable Association said it will be seeking federal assistance for growers.

Read more on Hurricane Ian’s devastating impact on Florida crops here.