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The damages from the hurricane are nonetheless being evaluated, however preliminary estimates state that Ian precipitated Florida’s agriculture industry to lose up to $1.56 billion. Round 5 million acres of farmland have been destroyed by the hurricane, 60% of which was grazing land for cattle. An extra 500,000 acres have been affected however not destroyed. Florida produces round $8 billion in agricultural items per yr, so this can be a important blow to the business.
The Sunshine State was already experiencing hardships previous to Hurricane Ian, with some estimates saying the business would decline by a 3rd this yr on account of temperatures and illness.
“The influence on Florida’s affected commodities can’t be understated, particularly the heartbreaking harm to Florida citrus, an business already going through important challenges,” state Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried declared. Orange juice alone is anticipated to trigger a $304 million loss. The US Division of Agriculture mentioned that orange manufacturing was already 32% down YoY, marking the smallest harvest in eight a long time.
As much as $393 million could also be misplaced from destroyed vegetable crops, whereas horticultural crops could expertise a $297 million decline. Cattle is anticipated to say no by over $220 million.
The true harm can’t be assessed till the fields dry up. None of those figures account for inflation. Pure disasters will solely contribute to rising meals costs and shortages.
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