Florida citrus producers’ run of misfortune continues after hurricane Wilma brought severe damage to grapefruit production in the Gulf region of south-west Florida.
The hurricane struck the area on Monday - two days later than forecast by meteorologists last week. The high winds knocked grapefruit and oranges ready for harvest from the trees. US president George Bush has signed an order declaring Florida a major disaster area, releasing federal money.
The FPJ spoke to Ron Hamel of the Gulf Citrus Growers Association, which represents producers in the five counties of the region.
“We have been speaking to some of the major exporters and growers and some people are telling us they have 50-60 per cent of fruit on the ground, and some have even more” he said. “This will definitely have an impact on fruit availability for export.”
The Gulf is the first region in Florida to come on stream with export quality grapefruit ahead of the major production areas in the Indian River. “Growers had already started their harvest so Wilma has had the most impact on grapefruit, as fruit was bigger and heavier on the trees and therefore more prone to the high winds. Certainly the later products are less affected.”
Hendry and Collier counties were the two worst affected in the region, but Hamel emphasised that, where possible, senders would try and satisfy export commitments.
In the Indian River area there have been no reports as yet of major damage to citrus groves. Instead the first concern is about the spread of citrus canker according to Doug Bournique, executive vice president of the Indian River Citrus League, who was quoted in local press.
Meanwhile, the UK is eagerly awaiting the start of the Florida season. Grapefruit was entirely absent from some wholesale markets this week and where it could be found it made on average between £8 to £10 a box.
Traders are now hoping for early arrivals from Cyprus and Turkey by the weekend to make up for the shortfall.
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