Hurricane Ian caused significant damage to Florida when it hit the state in late September.
The category 4 hurricane made landfall Sept. 28 in the Fort Myers area. The following day, it made landfall across the Florida Peninsula. The third and last landfall in the U.S. was in South Carolina.
Agricultural losses in the state from Hurricane Ian could reach nearly $1.6 billion, according to a preliminary assessment of damage by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.
The institute estimates there were $208 million to $394 million in losses to vegetable and melon crops and another $147 million to $304 million in damage to the state’s citrus industry. Losses to the horticultural sector could total as much as $297 million, and the damage to the livestock industry could reach $222 million.
The region hit by the hurricane typically produces more than $8.1 billion in agricultural products a year, according to Agri-Pulse.
Florida Farm Bureau established a relief fund to provide assistance to help Florida farmers and ranchers who have suffered losses from Hurricane Ian.
“It is our calling to help restore the livelihood of farmers and ranchers,” Florida Farm Bureau President Jeb S. Smith said. “So many farm families have suffered devastating loss and will be rebuilding and replanting for months.”
The Hurricane Ian Relief Fund for Agriculture will provide assistance that is imperative for farm families statewide to begin recovering from storm-inflicted losses.
To donate, make checks payable to:
Florida Farm Bureau Women’s Fund
Memo: Hurricane Ian Relief for Agriculture
P.O. Box 147030
Gainesville, FL 32614
You can make donation by credit card here.
If you have any questions or want more information about the relief fund, contact ianfund@ffbf.org.
Visit Hurricane Ian Resources for more information on disaster recovery resources and additional relief funding programs.