Florida farmers brace for worst as Hurricane Ian strengthens

Florida farmers, who have dealt with more than their fair of hurricanes since 2000, are actively monitoring the developing Hurricane Ian situation, according to the Florida Department of Citrus.

The National and Central Pacific Hurricane Center reports that Hurricane Ian is growing stronger in the southeastern Gulf of Mexico. On Sept. 27, the center issued a hurricane watch for the West Coast of Florida from South of Bonita Beach to Chokoloskee. 

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Total crop loss from hurricanes Irma and Michael in in 2017 and 2018, respectively, was estimated at about $1.5 billion, according to the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension. 

"In 2017, Hurricane Irma hit the Florida peninsula with winds up to 112 mph and accumulated rainfall of up to 14 inches. Both Irma and Michael caused significant property damage across the state, including damage to agricultural crops," according to UF/IFAS Extension. "For Irma alone, over 5.0 million acres of cropland were affected, including 3.4 million under hurricane-force winds."

Alan Hodges, director of the University of Florida’s Economic Impact Assessment Program, said in a news release that about 1 million acres of field crops and 3.6 million acres of upland forest in Florida were potentially affected by Hurricane Michael.

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“Florida Citrus growers are committed to providing high-quality, great-tasting Florida citrus and Florida orange juice to consumers.," said Shannon Shepp, executive director of the Florida Department of Citrus. "Centuries of history keep hurricanes front and center in the mind of any Florida citrus grower. We are closely monitoring developments related to Hurricane Ian and engaged with state and federal officials. 

"Flooding, fruit loss due to wind and even uprooted trees are a very real concern for growers during hurricane season," continued Shepp. "The key point is that Florida citrus growers are resilient in the face of extreme weather, greening and high-input costs. The commitment to deliver remains strong."

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