by Garth A. Rose
As a result of the damaging impact of Hurricane Irma on Florida farms, South Florida residents are likely to face shortages of, and price increase in, staple produce in markets and supermarkets.
Aerial tour
On Monday, the state’s Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam along with US Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, and US Senator Marco Rubio and Congressman Tom Rooney, both of Florida, took an aerial tour of the damage to Florida farms.
80 to 90 percent losses
Following the tour, Putnam indicated in some regions farmers suffered 80 to 90 percent losses. He said the storm flattened greenhouses, toppled trees and flooded pastures. He cautioned the damage means Florida vegetables and other produce could be in short supply throughout the Thanksgiving holiday when there is usually high demand for vegetables and other produce for Thanksgiving dinner. He said normal supplies of vegetables may not be evident until December.
Speaking at a news conference in Orlando, Putnam said, “The path of Irma could not have been more poorly chosen to effectively destroy our agricultural crops.” He also cautioned if farmers are unable to replenish their crops by December, this could open the door for imported vegetables from places like Mexico, Costa Rica and Honduras.
Higher prices for imported produce
Miquel Salvadore, produce manager for Fresco Supermarket (formerly Winn Dixie) in South-West Miami told CNW, “Imported vegetables, fruits, and other produce usually reach us, and ultimately consumers, at higher prices than produce sourced locally.” He said there was no immediate shortage of produce following Irma, as produce was already in the inventory. “However, we do expect to experience shortage in the supply of locally grown produce, especially vegetables and fruits. This is typical after a hurricane strikes the state.”
Acres of vegetables and citrus
Putnam said citrus, vegetables, nurseries and sugarcane took the brunt of Hurricane Irma. He said, from the aerial tour he observed acres of vegetables destroyed, and flooded citrus groves.
He assured farmers that the Florida Agricultural Department will do “everything” it can to help them recover.
Rubio said those affected include everyone from growers to shoppers trying to purchase crops, such as avocados, tomatoes, sweet corn and bell peppers. Consumers may see prices spike or shortages in products, he said.
South Florida’s sugarcane crop was damaged, but Putnam said it can still be harvested, though at a higher cost to farmers.
Caribbean-American farmers in Davie
In Davie, a number of Caribbean-American farmers have experienced significant damage to their farms losing crops. The farmers grow vegetables, including callaloo, peppers and aground provision. Dr. Sam Scott, founder and president of the North South Institute, that among other roles, represents farmers in South Florida, said the farmers are “faced with a major setback financially and mentally.” Dr. Scott is appealing to the local community to “help these farmers in their hour of need by contributing to a recently established Gofundme account – www.gofundme.com/northsouthinstitute.”
The storm also negatively impacted the region’s avocado and winter vegetable farmers. Landscape and nursery businesses have also been affected
However, Caribbean- American Garry Davies a South Miami landscaper said, “The storm has reduced the demand for new landscaping projects, but has increased the demand for clearing properties and repairing gardens and yards damaged by fallen trees and the wind. So, there is some business,”
