Hurricane Milton has caused significant damage to Florida’s agriculture industry, with estimated damages ranging from $1.5 billion to $2.5 billion. This adds to the more than $1.5 billion in damages already caused by hurricanes Idalia, Debby, and Helene since August 2023. State Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Wilton Simpson has requested immediate federal assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help farmers and ranchers recover.
Milton made landfall in Sarasota County and impacted 51 counties as it swept across the state, leading to major structural impacts on nurseries, cattle ranches, and crop fields. The citrus industry, which was already facing challenges, has been further impacted by fruit drop and flooded fields. A major citrus grower, Alico Inc., reported minimal tree damage but significant fruit drop.
University of Florida estimates indicate that previous hurricanes, including Debby and Idalia, caused significant agricultural losses, with livestock, poultry, and aquaculture industries being particularly affected. The institute is currently collecting data to assess the damage caused by Hurricane Milton and the recent storm is expected to exacerbate the financial strain on the agriculture community.
Overall, Florida’s agriculture industry has been hit hard by multiple hurricanes in a short period of time, and immediate federal support is needed to help farmers recover. The impact of Hurricane Milton, combined with the damage from previous storms, is creating unprecedented challenges for the state’s agriculture sector.
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