Florida Citrus Farms Struggle to Recover as Hurricane Damage Looms

Devastated citrus groves after hurricane winds and rain.

Florida Citrus Farm Faces Challenges After Hurricanes

Lake Worth, Florida – A devastating hurricane season has left citrus farms in Florida struggling to recover as they approach their busiest time of year. The storms have particularly impacted Al’s Family Farms, forcing them to rebuild while trying to fulfill orders during the crucial citrus season that typically runs from October to June.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has released forecasts indicating that Florida’s production of oranges will drop significantly. The state is expected to produce 12 million 90-pound boxes of oranges from 2024 to 2025, a decline from about 17.96 million boxes produced in the previous season.

The Impact of Hurricane Milton

Matthew Schorner, the general manager of Al’s Family Farms, detailed the farm’s experience during Hurricane Milton. The storm, which struck in October, unleashed an estimated twenty tornadoes in the area. “I looked at it and I was like wow. I couldn’t believe it – I’m in tears – I can’t believe it,” he recounted, describing the devastation wrought by the storm.

The packing facility at Al’s Family Farms, which had a history of withstanding hurricanes, was severely damaged. “It’s amazing to see how many hurricanes this building endured, and then it was all just crushed,” Schorner said. However, he expressed hope, stating that after two weeks, they began packaging fruit again. “I felt God told me to ask to rebuild,” he added.

Rebuilding and Recovery

The farm faced not just facility damage, but also significant losses in crops. Some citrus trees were damaged, and their peach grove suffered severe losses. Schorner emphasized the importance of community support during this tough time, stating, “We may not be able to do 100% of the work, but we are able to make it happen through friends, family and other businesses who come in and work alongside of us.”

Al’s Family Farms’ owner, Jeff Schorner, highlighted the importance of the holiday season for their business. “This is our main season. We have about six weeks of ‘let’s go, go, go’ packing fruit for Christmas,” he said, adding that winter is the peak time for tourism in the area.

Long-Term Implications for the Citrus Industry

According to Matt Joyner, the CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual, the long-term effects of the recent hurricanes could be significant. “These are a tree crop. They don’t recover in one year; it is usually about three years before they get back to pre-storm production,” he explained. Joyner noted that the frequency of hurricanes over the last seven years prevents trees from fully recovering, leading to ongoing challenges for growers.

This decline in production is expected to impact prices for citrus products shortly. Joyner warns that consumers might face higher costs as the supply diminishes. This situation is a stark reminder of the challenges that Florida’s citrus industry faces, compounded by a string of natural disasters.

Looking Ahead

As Al’s Family Farms and other citrus producers work diligently to recover and fulfill orders, the state’s citrus outlook remains uncertain. The effects of these recent hurricanes will linger, posing challenges for citrus farmers and affecting consumers alike.

Community support and resilience will be at the forefront as they navigate through these turbulent times, with a long rebuilding process ahead.