Florida Agriculture Commissioner
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) released a preliminary assessment of agricultural production losses associated with Hurricane Ian. The report estimates a potential loss of up to $1.56 billion for Florida producers. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumers Services (FDACS) is expected to release its own findings later this week.
“After speaking with producers and seeing the devastation of Hurricane Ian firsthand, I am saddened, but not surprised by the estimated cost of this storm. The impact on Florida’s affected commodities cannot be understated, especially the heartbreaking damage to Florida citrus, an industry already facing significant challenges,” said Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried. “This assessment, along with our own internal evaluation, is the first step in the rebuilding process and my department will continue to work with state and federal partners to support our producers throughout the recovery process.”
Background: The UF/IFAS Economic Impact Analysis Program conducts assessments after any event that disrupts Florida’s agriculture industry. Analysis also utilizes data from FDACS, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and other comparison data to estimate the economic impact. The assessment is a preliminary assessment that may not account for damage in inaccessible areas or flood areas which cannot be evaluated until fields have dried out.
A full copy of the UF/IFAS assessment can be found here.
