Irma Devastates Florida Citrus Industry

BRADENTON – While Hurricane Irma spared much of Florida the sort of damage that had been projected, the storm all but obliterated a promising Florida citrus crop, with powerful winds ripping as much as 75 percent of the fruit from their trees.

Florida is second in orange juice production (behind Brazil) and accounts for more than half of the U.S. grapefruit production, according to the USDA. The state also grows tangerines and other specialty citrus crops.

This year was projected to be the best of the last five for an industry that had already been hurt by the decade long greening crisis, during which a fatal bacterial disease reduced the state's citrus output by 70 percent. Even without direct hits, nearly all citrus areas saw wind gusts between 60 and 80 miles per hour, with some experiencing gusts as high as 120. Because the crop had not yet matured, the winds blew green, unripened fruit across farming areas.

Many more losses are expected in coming weeks as groves remain underwater in flooded areas. Southwest Florida groves closest to the mainland landfall have had it worst.

Hendry County, which leads the state with more than 10 million citrus trees, is thought to have lost more than 60 percent of its orange crop. Groves in Polk, Highlands, Hardee, Okeechobee and Hillsborough counties were also hit hard. Even East Coast growers that were furthest from the storm experienced significant loss from wind damage.