Damage inflicted on the grapefruit crop in Florida by Hurricane Charley is still being assessed, but, the route of the hurricane through central Florida exposed more than a third of the state's total citrus crop to risk, according to the Florida Department of Citrus.
Florida agriculture commissioner Charles Bronson told local press: "It's much worse than a freeze" as he toured storm damaged groves. Many growers have suffered damage to plant and equipment as well as the crop itself.
Grapefruit crops in the Gulf region were most at risk and some trees have been left with only one or two fruits two months before the harvest is due to begin. Others have escaped seemingly unscathed.
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