Unprecedented Cold Snap Brings Devastating Consequences to Florida’s Agriculture Industry
Orlando, Tampa, and Miami all recorded their coldest temperatures in 16 years this weekend, with many places across Florida beginning Monday morning below freezing for the seventh consecutive day for the first time since 2001. The rare cold snap will last in the Sunshine State through Tuesday before temperatures finally warm up by midweek.
The crippling freezes from the harsh winter have dealt a costly blow to Florida’s booming agriculture industry, which thrives on the Sunshine State’s postcard-perfect ‘snowbird’ winters. According to a report from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, preliminary estimates reveal the recent freezes cost more than $3 billion in total estimated losses across the state’s agricultural sectors.
“Our preliminary estimate of over $3 billion in agricultural losses makes clear what we already knew: This was one of the most damaging freeze events for Florida agriculture in history. It is also clear that our state’s farmers, ranchers, and growers – who we rely on daily to feed and nourish our communities – need timely and substantial support,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson.
Unprecedented freeze events have taken a costly toll in Florida. Sweet corn alone has lost an estimated $255,363,251 in revenue, according to a recent report from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
(Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.)
Freeze Events Cause Widespread Damage
Freezing temperatures can kill plants entirely, spoiling plants for good or significantly damaging them. Florida’s agriculture industry annually grosses billions thanks to favorable weather conditions that draw millions of tourists to the state every year. When prolonged cold stretches and severe winter weather dips into the Sunshine State, the results are devastating to many of the plants that aren’t adapted to the cold.
The report details two winter weather events that brought unexpected, widespread damage across Florida, affecting many of the state’s most productive agricultural regions during peak seasonal growth and planting periods.
Florida, like many parts of the Eastern U.S., has suffered a brutally cold winter. While it is detrimental to vacationers and “snowbirds” seeking refuge in the Sunshine State to get away from the cold, the prolonged cold spells ruin much more than a vacation.
Freeze damage spoils strawberries in Florida. According to a report from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, an estimated $306,965,897 in revenue has been lost due to crippling freeze events.
(Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.)
Estimated Losses by Crop
A total of 66 counties across Florida experienced freezing temperatures, resulting in significant losses for various crops. The estimated losses include:
- Tomatoes: $164,273,849
- Strawberries: $306,965,897
- Watermelons: $65,437,343
- Sweet Corn: $255,363,251
- Sugarcane: $1,152,122,146
- Bell Peppers: $108,380,389
- Potatoes: $79,065,000
- Cabbage: $21,800,280
- Squash: $24,522,275
- Blueberries: $78,512,400
- Greenhouse and Nursery: $240,000,000
- Citrus: $674,660,336
Freeze damage to bell peppers in Florida after significant winter weather storm slammed Florida. According to a report from Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, an estimated $108,380,389 in bell pepper revenue has been lost due to crippling freeze events.
(Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.)
Commissioner Wilton Simpson expressed gratitude to President Donald Trump and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins for their support for Florida’s food producers. He emphasized the importance of a strong domestic food supply and the need for timely and substantial support for the state’s farmers, ranchers, and growers.
Total Estimated Losses: Over $3.1 Billion
For more information on the devastating impact of the freezes on Florida’s agriculture industry, visit Here
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