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Hurricane Ian's estimated impact on Florida agriculture industry tops $1 billion

Flooding and damage from Hurricane Ian is seen at Southern Family Farms Inc. in Fort Myers, Florida, in the days after the storm destroyed towers, roofs and hydroponic crops on Sept. 27, 2022. (Southern Fresh Farms Inc. via Fresh Take Florida)
Flooding and damage from Hurricane Ian is seen at Southern Family Farms Inc. in Fort Myers, Florida, in the days after the storm destroyed towers, roofs and hydroponic crops on Sept. 27, 2022. (Southern Fresh Farms Inc. via Fresh Take Florida)

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services released the preliminary damage assessment for agriculture, following Hurricane Ian.

According to Commissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried, the loss is estimated between $1,180,714,303 and $1,888,305,886.  Those losses don't just include damage to crops, but also losses to agriculture production and infrastructure.

According to a FDACS press release, agriculture is Florida’s second largest industry.

The team will continue to collaborate with industry partners to learn more information about the depth of the impact.

Fried plans to work with Florida’s Congressional Delegation and US Senators on a relief package.

The team is also considering citrus tree replacement, animal infrastructure damages, and forestry for Florida producers.

You can read the FCACS report here.