top of page

Spared by Helene, Florida citrus industry braces for Milton

A view shows a damaged building in the aftermath of an Israeli strike that hit a building, amid ongoing cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, in the town of Wardaniyeh, Lebanon October 9, 2024. Stringer
A view shows a damaged building in the aftermath of an Israeli strike that hit a building, amid ongoing cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, in the town of Wardaniyeh, Lebanon October 9, 2024. Stringer

NEW YORK - Many orange farms in Florida could be hit by Hurricane Milton when it makes landfall in the state on Thursday, according to citrus industry groups, only days after they largely escaped the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene.


"While farmers can evacuate families and secure equipment, there is little we can do to prevent wind and floods from destroying groves," said Matt Joyner, Executive Vice President and CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual.


"Milton has wobbled slightly south from early yesterday (Tuesday), which is worse for the three major growing regions," said in a note the Citrus Research and Development Foundation.


Florida is the largest citrus producer in the United States, supplying oranges for the local juice production. Most of the farms are located in the Center-South part of the state, which is in the likely path of Milton.


A large impact by the storm would be another setback for the industry and consumers, which are struggling with low orange production and high prices. Orange juice futures in New York hit an all-time high last month. Another factor was falling output in top grower Brazil due to a historic drought and losses linked to the greening disease.


Florida's orange production is already going through difficult times, mostly due to greening, a bacterial infection that can spread quickly. It has reduced the planted area in the state by half in the last 20 years.


The Citrus Research and Development Foundation said strong winds could help spread the disease to more groves.


The hurricane will cause fruits to drop from the trees and get wasted. If trees are damaged, eventual replanting would mean no production for at least three years.


Sugarcane fields could also be impacted by the storm, since they are located not far from the orange areas. Florida and Louisiana account for 40% of the U.S. sugar production.


-(Reuters)

Comments


Top Stories

Advertise Now (1).png
Live: Madrid Housing Crisis: Protesters Demand Urgent Safety & Repairs | Spain Economy, Inflation
02:13:36

Live: Madrid Housing Crisis: Protesters Demand Urgent Safety & Repairs | Spain Economy, Inflation

Spaniards rally in Madrid against a severe housing crisis as rents double over a decade. Residents like Blanca Castro endure unsafe conditions—with collapsing ceilings and makeshift kitchens forcing them to wash dishes in bathtubs. The protest calls for urgent reforms and accountability from neglectful property owners, highlighting a social emergency that cannot wait. #MadridProtests #HousingCrisis #SpainHousing #TenantRights #SocialEmergency #RisingRents #UrbanNeglect #MadridCrisis #ProtestForChange #ReformNow Amaravati Today is a news channel that provides the latest updates on world affairs and sports events. It covers a wide range of topics, including international politics, major global incidents, and sports highlights #WorldNews #GlobalInsights #AmaravatiToday #News #InternationalNews #GlobalNews #Politics Subscribe to the Amaravati Today channel and tap the bell icon to receive notifications whenever we go live https://www.youtube.com/@Amaravati_Today_Official Follow Amaravati Today on x or Twitter: https://x.com/amaravati_today Follow Amaravati Today on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amaravatitoday Follow Amaravati Today on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/amaravatitodayofficial/ Follow Amaravati Today on Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/Amaravatitoday Follow Amaravati Today on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/amaravati-today/ Follow Amaravati Today on WhatsApp: https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaHWoNe5q08TF4NFKv3d Website: https://www.amaravati.today/ Source: Reuters
9.png
Live Streams | Facts | Analysis | Explainers | Breaking News

Get in Touch

Manikondu Pvt Ltd
SY. 130P & 115/1P, ISB Rd
Financial District, Gachibowli
Hyderabad, India 500032
letstalk {at} amaravati (dot) today

Follow us on

  • X
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Facebook
  • Instagram

© 2024 by Amaravati Today | Privacy Policy | Imprint & Dsiclaimer | CIN: U70200TS2024PTC184435

bottom of page