Irma Ruins A Bunch Of Florida’s Crops, Prices Could Go Up Higher

Hurricane Irma caused an estimated loss of 50 to 70 percent of Florida's citrus crops in South Florida, according to the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association. The oranges and grapefruits fields were hard hit by Irma, even the areas where strawberries and sugar cane grow.

Irma was a huge storm, while it hit most of the state. These crops are spread out across the southern part, which in Florida is the best chance for a freeze not to happen. Irma took it head on and fruit growers and farmers are just now assessing the damages and its already not looking good.

Tomato crop damages are light but will be good by December. Strawberry growers expect to recover quickly and harvest on time. Now Florida's orange harvest usually begins around Thanksgiving, and about 90 percent of it becomes juice. As for the sugar cane harvest it was expected to begin Oct. 1, but now it's too late in the season to grow new crop for both, this could be felt in the coming months if things go so sour.

Florida is a key source of fresh fruits and vegetables for the nation during the winter. Get prepared for the spike in price for some of these fruit & vegetables in the coming months. Might as well get what you can, while they are still reasonable prices. These Hurricanes did a bunch damage and the effects will linger on for months.