Florida Farmers Suffer Unprecedented Losses from Hurricane Milton
$1.5-2.5 Billion in Damages Estimated
Tallahassee — Damages to farmers and ranchers from Hurricane Milton may double the statewide agricultural destruction from three other storms that pummeled Florida since August 2023, according to state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Wilton Simpson.
$1.5-2.5 Billion in Damages Estimated
Simpson estimated Milton caused between $1.5 billion and $2.5 billion, on top of more than $1.5 billion in damages already sustained from hurricanes Idalia, Debby, and Helene.
Request for Federal Assistance
Simpson included the assessment in a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, asking for assistance through the Farm Service Agency and other federal programs.
‘"With four major hurricanes in just over a year, our agriculture communities have been hit repeatedly, causing unprecedented financial strain,"’ Simpson said. ‘"We need the USDA’s immediate support to help these family farms recover from yet another historic storm. The time to act is now."’
Damage Report
Preliminary estimates from Simpson’s agency found Milton impacted 51 counties as it swept ashore Oct. 9 near Siesta Key in Sarasota County with 120 mph sustained winds. The report found major structural impacts to nurseries and cattle ranches, while power outages caused disruptions to cow-milking operations. Cotton, peanut, and rice crops suffered "minor to catastrophic" damages. Vegetables, melons, blueberries, strawberries, and tropical fruits experienced "significant damages."
Citrus Industry Suffers
The citrus industry, already in the midst of a historically low production season before Milton’s arrival, is facing fruit drop and concerns of flooded fields from Milton that will result in tree mortality, the preliminary report said. Alico Inc., a major citrus grower, reported Thursday it sustained "minimal" tree damage during Hurricane Milton but that fruit dropped from trees.
University Analysis
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, known as UF/IFAS, estimates that Debby, which hit Florida Aug. 5 with 80 mph sustained winds, caused $93.7 million to $263.2 million in agricultural losses. Debby affected more than 2.2 million acres of agricultural land in the state, with two-thirds of the land used for livestock grazing.
Conclusion
Florida’s agricultural industry has been severely impacted by four major hurricanes in less than two years, causing unprecedented financial strain. The state is seeking federal assistance to help farmers and ranchers recover from the devastating effects of Hurricane Milton.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the estimated damage from Hurricane Milton?
A: The estimated damage from Hurricane Milton is between $1.5 billion and $2.5 billion.
Q: How many counties were impacted by Hurricane Milton?
A: 51 counties were impacted by Hurricane Milton.
Q: What kind of damage was reported in the agricultural industry?
A: Major structural impacts to nurseries and cattle ranches, power outages disrupting feedlot operations, and "minor to catastrophic" damage to crops such as cotton, peanut, and rice.
Q: What is the current state of the citrus industry?
A: The citrus industry is facing fruit drop and concerns of flooded fields from Hurricane Milton, which will result in tree mortality.
