Hurricane Milton Causes Up to $2.5 Billion in Damage to Florida Farms

Hurricane Milton‘s recent landfall has left Florida’s agricultural sector reeling, with damages estimated between $1.5 billion and $2.5 billion. The Category 3 hurricane, packing winds of 120 mph, caused widespread devastation, severely impacting the state’s citrus industry and agricultural infrastructure.

Extensive Damage to Citrus Crops and Infrastructure

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture, Wilton Simpson, provided an estimate that outlines the extensive destruction left in the wake of Hurricane Milton. The storm struck Florida’s major citrus-producing regions, causing massive fruit drop right before the start of the harvest season.

Additionally, the state’s agriculture department expressed concerns that persistent flooding might lead to tree mortality, compounding the long-term effects of the storm on citrus production.

Aside from citrus, the hurricane wreaked havoc on agricultural equipment, dairies, and cattle operations, putting a significant strain on Florida’s farming communities. The storm’s damage exceeds that caused by previous hurricanes Helene, Idalia, and Debby, which together led to $1.5 billion in losses.

Impacts on Farmers and Recovery Efforts

Hurricane Milton has dealt a severe blow to Florida’s farming sector, which has already been hit hard by multiple hurricanes in recent years. Simpson stressed the cumulative effect of these disasters, noting that the state’s farmers are facing unprecedented financial strain.

In response, he is urging the USDA to issue a disaster declaration for the affected counties, which would accelerate federal assistance to help farmers rebuild and recover.

While some parts of the agricultural industry feared disruptions in fertilizer production, these facilities were mostly spared as the storm’s trajectory shifted. This spared one of Florida’s key industries from additional setbacks.

Federal Assistance and Recovery Initiatives

The USDA has already provided a range of flexibilities for farmers impacted by Hurricane Milton, such as expedited crop insurance payments and access to disaster assistance programs.

Following previous storms like Hurricane Helene, the USDA has issued indemnity payments for livestock losses and provided other forms of aid. These same resources are expected to be available for producers recovering from Milton’s devastation.

Meanwhile, Senator Rick Scott has called for a federal block grant to support recovery efforts, akin to the financial aid provided to Florida after hurricanes Michael and Florence in 2018.

Long-Term Effects and Outlook

While efforts to assist farmers in the immediate aftermath are underway, the long-term damage to Florida’s citrus industry could last for years. The threat of tree mortality due to persistent flooding is a significant concern, as is the ongoing financial pressure on Florida’s farmers following consecutive storms.

With recovery measures now being implemented, farmers are hoping for swift and substantial support to help rebuild their livelihoods and secure Florida’s position as a leading agricultural producer.