Florida Nursery and Landscape Industry Awaits Disaster Aid After Hurricane Milton
Disaster Aid and Federal Funding
Tallahassee — Greenhouse and nursery-grown plants, particularly holiday poinsettias, might be in short supply and cost more because of damage after Hurricane Milton. Florida’s nursery industry hopes to be included in potential federal disaster aid that is expected to address damage to ranches, citrus groves and row crops in a series of recent disasters.
Industry Seeks Inclusion in Disaster Aid
Tal Coley, CEO of the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association, said the industry hopes Congress will address agricultural assistance after the Nov. 5 election and include the industry in any supplemental funding or block grants. "In the past, our industry, they’ve kind of been left at the chopping block and haven’t been able to access some of those funds," Coley said. "My hope is that everyone will be able to access any type of relief that does come."
Meetings and Data Collection
Coley met with Robert Bonnie, who works closely with the federal Farm Service Agency as the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s undersecretary for natural resources and environment, to discuss the industry’s needs. "It seems like both sides agree that something needs to be done, but everybody’s kind of waiting to see what happens in two weeks," Coley said, referring to the upcoming election. "So, right now, it’s just a lot of data collection, which we’re very happy to do."
Hurricane Damage and Losses
Also waiting is Florida’s citrus industry, which got slammed by Hurricane Milton as it was still recovering from damage in 2022’s Hurricane Ian. Matt Joyner, CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual, said that pockets of the industry suffered "well over 50, 60 and even 80 percent loss" from Milton. Greenhouses along the West Coast were damaged in Hurricane Helene, while Milton cut inland and also spawned deadly tornadoes in the Treasure Coast region, where many poinsettias are grown.
Nursery Industry Statistics
The Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association and Farm Credit of Central Florida estimate the nursery and landscape industry generates $31.4 billion a year in sales. Preliminary findings by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, known as UF/IFAS, estimated that Hurricane Debby, which hit North Florida’s Big Bend region Aug. 5 with 80 mph sustained winds, caused $93.7 million to $263.2 million in agricultural losses. Greenhouses and nurseries accounted for between $15 million and $53.6 million of that total.
Conclusion
The Florida nursery and landscape industry is awaiting disaster aid and federal funding to address damage caused by Hurricane Milton. The industry hopes to be included in potential funding or block grants, just as it has in the past. With losses estimated at over $100 million, the industry is counting on quick action to recover from the devastating effects of the hurricane.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current state of the nursery and landscape industry?
A: The industry is currently recovering from damage caused by Hurricane Milton, which also included damage from Hurricane Helene and is expected to be included in potential federal disaster aid.
Q: What are the estimated losses to the nursery and landscape industry?
A: The industry generates $31.4 billion a year in sales, with estimates suggesting losses between $15 million and $53.6 million from Hurricane Debby.
Q: What are the next steps for the industry?
A: The industry is waiting for potential federal disaster aid and hopes to be included in funding or block grants, just as it has in the past.
Q: What is the current status of the citrus industry?
A: The citrus industry is also recovering from damage caused by Hurricane Milton, with some areas suffering losses of over 50, 60, and even 80%.
