Storm activity takes its toll

Atlantic storm activity has already taken its toll on Caribbean banana crops and is now threatening Florida grapefruit.

The Caribbean press has reported that the banana industry in Jamaica will be shut down for an indefinite period, after an estimated 70 per cent of farms in the key growing areas were lashed by hurricane Gustav last week.

At Redbridge Worldfresh, Morgan Barrett said Gustav and tropical storm Hanna this week have left Cuba’s grapefruit crop unscathed. “The season is starting a little later than expected and we should have fruit in the UK later in September, as packing starts next week,” said Barrett.

In Florida, grapefruit growers were hoping they would be spared Hanna and another tropical storm Ike following colossal rainfall dumped on groves when tropical storm Fay passed through last month. Indian River Citrus League executive director Doug Bournique said:“Wind-wise our crop was fine and we didn’t lose any fruit, but Fay dropped 15-25 inches of rain in a 72 hour period so some of the lower groves did not dry out for eight to nine days. Growers have had the pumps on for over a week to dry out the fields but we won’t know the full long term effect on the trees for a couple of months. Right now we just want Mother Nature to give us a break.”