Most Florida specialty crop growers were spared damage from Hurricane Idalia, the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association reports.
Hurricane Idalia, which made landfall in Florida the morning of Aug. 30, brought heavy rain, high winds and a dangerous storm surge to the Big Bend region of Florida, said Christina Morton, director of communications for FFVA.
The Big Bend region is a less-populated area of the state where the panhandle meets the peninsula.
“Based on early reports, we are grateful to hear that our family and friends who were in the impacted communities are safe,” Morton said.
While a limited number of growers saw significant impacts in the Big Bend region, much of the state’s specialty crop growers were spared, she said.
For growers who were able, normal operations resumed Aug. 31.
“In fact, the majority of the state’s industry is set to begin planting next week in preparation for harvest in November,” she said.
On Aug. 31, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services said it is coordinating with agricultural partners and producers to conduct damage assessments.
Producers that experienced losses and/or damages due to Hurricane Idalia can call the FSA Producer Hotline at 1-877-508-8364, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. or email the FSA disaster group at fpac.fsa.flfsa.disaster@usda.gov.
