The predictions were dire around Hurricane Milton's effect on Florida's citrus industry. Though assessments of how the industry has survived the sizable weather event are still very much underway, some growers and shippers are reporting better than anticipated outcomes.
"It was not going to be a great season to begin with citrus greening and people going out of business, etc. Every year that is taking its toll. However, I think it was anticipated that when Milton was coming, it was going to destroy everything. It did cause damage but not as bad as we'd originally thought," says Nick Bernal of Seasons Farm Fresh.
With that, this week the grower-shipper is beginning to ship some fruit already. Most of its suppliers are in the northern part of the state closer to Tallahassee in the Sweet Valley citrus region (which is comprised of north Florida, south Alabama, and south Georgia)--an area that had minimal Milton impact.
However, the region had been affected by the earlier hurricane this month, Hurricane Helene. "They got hit but not as badly as last year. Last year they took a direct hit and lost quite a bit but this year, they've only lost some fruit," says Bernal.
Florida mandarin production
For example, Satsuma mandarins from the region look as though they will still be harvesting on time in about two to three weeks.
That said, Bernal says throughout the rest of Florida, growers are reporting citrus impacts in the form of fruit on the ground floor, floating in the groves, wind damage, and more. "I think there was more damage from the wind than from the water," he says.
So what lies ahead? Bernal says some growers and shippers have already started picking and degreening fruit, though Seasons Farm Fresh doesn't typically start until the beginning of November when Hamlins for example have a little bit more color and flavor.
"With the orange crop being lighter to begin with, I'm sure juice prices will be higher," he says. "Citrus prices have been pretty high going into our season. Florida has less fruit and places like Texas and Mexico are putting in more citrus. Let's see how the overall market will react with less Florida fruit on the market."
For more information:
Nick Bernal
Seasons Farm Fresh, Inc.
Tel: +1 (305) 608-9020
[email protected]
https://seasonsfarmfresh.com/