Florida's strawberry sector, particularly in Plant City, faces challenges due to Arctic air reaching as far south as the state. Known as the "Winter Strawberry Capital of the Nation," Plant City-Dover cultivates over 13,000 acres of strawberries, contributing nearly 15% of the U.S. supply, predominantly during winter.
Recent Arctic air outbreaks threaten these crops, prompting farmers like Matt Parke, who manages 300 acres in Plant City, to implement protective measures against frost. Parke stated, "Right now what we're trying to do is protect the Valentine's Day fruit that we're going to be picking here pretty soon." He added, "We'll start getting frost at about 33 degrees or 34 degrees but as soon as we get that real hard frost, dry frost we need to kick it on," highlighting the importance of irrigation systems in frost prevention.
The economic stakes are high as strawberry value has surged over the last two decades. Florida's growers aim to capitalize on the early harvest advantage. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services reported a 78.5% increase in cash receipts over a decade, according to Susie McKinley of The Packer.
Climate dynamics, including altered jet stream patterns, contribute to these cold spells. Scientists identify climate change influences in extreme weather, emphasizing the need for renewable energy transitions to mitigate carbon emissions.
Source: TCD