Damage done to citrus crops in Cuba after hurricane Michelle struck on November 4 is still being assessed. Torrential rain and winds of up to 160mph hit the Caribbean island causing extensive damage in the western-central province of Matanzas and particularly in the southern area of the province around Jaguey Grande.

The storm was the worst to hit the island in 50 years, observers said. Citrus trees were uprooted and flung across roads while tonnes of fruit were ripped from branches and spread over a wide area. This could mean the effects of the hurricane will continue to be felt in future seasons before replacement trees come into full bearing to make up a possible shortfall in production.

At the time of writing, it was still raining on the island making it difficult to gain access to citrus groves to assess damage.

According to Cuban press reports workers had been mobilised to pick up fruit that could be salvaged for the processing industry.

Shipments of grapefruit from the island had already slowed before the hurricane hit as importers switch to Florida fruit.

According to Prag Mistry of Hart & Friedmann, which imports the Cubanita brand, damage to the island's infrastructure has been minimal. 'Our last departures of grapefruit were at the end of October and we have had a good season,' he said. 'There is damage to orchards and some damage to packhouses, especially open structures, but roads and ports appear to be fine.' The season for Cuban oranges in the UK, mainly for the fresh juicing market, starts in January.

Topics