The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agriculture Sciences this week released a preliminary assessment of the agricultural production losses associated with Hurricane Ian. The report, which considered crops, livestock, and animal products, estimates a potential loss of up to $1.56 billion for Florida producers.
The Economic Impact Analysis Program conducts assessments after any event that disrupts Florida’s agriculture industry, with assessments for Hurricane Ian initiated on September 29, 2022, through a survey to producers.
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried says, “The impact on Florida’s affected commodities cannot be understated, especially the heartbreaking damage to Florida citrus, an industry already facing significant challenges.”
The preliminary assessment may not account for damage in inaccessible areas or flood areas that cannot be evaluated until fields have dried out.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumers Services is expected to release its own findings later this week.
