Florida's freeze damaged crops. Farmers say it may raise prices, too
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Farms across Florida, including this one in Miami, experienced frigid winter weather. Photo: Zak Bennett/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Florida's recent rash of frigid weather is hurting farmers — and they say consumers will feel the impacts, too.
Why it matters: Though it's still early, some growers are already reporting damage to crops like squash and sweet corn after some parts of the Sunshine State saw freezing temperatures last weekend.
- "Repeated exposure to freezing temperatures can cause significant losses and damages for agricultural operations, especially when exposure is prolonged," according to the University of Florida, which is currently conducting a survey to estimate the total damages.
Catch up quick: Florida experienced an initial freeze on Dec. 30, followed by an additional freeze in mid-January and an extended cold period beginning in late January, according to UF.
- This past weekend, temperatures dropped to the single digits in some parts of Florida, leading some growers to irrigate their crops and intentionally freeze them over to prevent further cold damage.
Threat level: Markon Cooperative, a North American produce supplier, wrote in a market update on Wednesday that "recent freezing temperatures across Florida will have a major impact on current crop production."
- The cooperative's affiliated squash growers "have experienced significant loss … with a possibility of over 50% crop loss," the notice said.
- Bell pepper growers "are expecting nearly 50% crop loss," while tomato growers reported damage in some fields but are "still assessing the situation."
Zoom in: South Florida farmers told news outlets this week that losses from the freeze will lead to higher prices for consumers.
- At Kern Carpenter Nursery in Homestead, owner Kern Carpenter told CBS Miami that nearly 20% of his tomato crop was damaged by last weekend's freeze.
- He said he's already seen tomato prices increase as a result of the cold snap.
- Rick Roth, owner of Roth Farms in Palm Beach County, tells CBS 12 News he predicts the price of sweet corn will double. He lost about 300 acres' worth, about a third of his crop.
Robert Is Here fruit market owner Robert Moehling Jr. told CBS Miami that consumers can expect higher prices.
- "100% you are going to feel it in the market," he said.
What's next: "It will take time to fully understand the extent of the impact, which will vary greatly by crop and farm location," the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association wrote in a statement this week.