Florida crops took $2.5 billion hit from Hurricane Irma

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam said Oct. 4 the preliminary agricultural damages caused by Hurricane Irma in Florida total more than $2.5 billion.

In an initial report, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services estimated losses for each segment of agriculture. The preliminary economic assessments account for: current crop losses and ancillary losses, such as debris cleanup, damaged infrastructure, and animals’ long-term welfare affected by Hurricane Irma. This preliminary assessment will change as new information becomes available, and it is not representative of any specific funding request.

“Florida agriculture took it on the chin as Hurricane Irma pummeled the state, and the $2.5 billion in agricultural damages is only an initial assessment. We’re likely to see even greater economic losses as we account for loss of future production and the cost to rebuild infrastructure. We’re going to do everything within our power to support Florida agriculture as it recovers from Hurricane Irma’s devastation,” stated Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam.

The estimated economic agricultural damages according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ preliminary report are as follows:

• Total Florida agriculture: $2,558,598,303.
• Citrus: $760,816,600
• Beef Cattle: $237,476,562
• Dairy: $11,811,695
• Aquaculture: $36,850,000
• Fruits and Vegetables (excluding citrus): $180,193,096
• Greenhouse, Nursery, and Floriculture: $624,819,895
• Sugar: $382,603,397
• Field crops: $62,747,058
• Forestry: $261,280,000

The estimates included in the preliminary report are based on data obtained from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, the UF-IFAS “Impacts of Hurricane Irma on Florida Agriculture: Update #4 Report,” UF-IFAS crops budgets, Timber Damage Estimates prepared by the Florida Forest Service, and early surveys the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services conducted with industry leaders and individual producers.

To access the preliminary report, click here.