Winter blast prompts Florida officials to push for USDA disaster assistance

The ongoing winter blast hitting the southeast has prompted Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson to request a disaster declaration and assistance for specialty crop growers throughout the state.

Simpson wrote a letter to USDA Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins detailing the situation in the Sunshine State, stating “forecasts indicate sub-freezing temperatures reaching as far south as Collier and Broward counties, along with sustained winds of 20-30 mph and gusts up to 50 mph.

He added the harsh winter conditions threaten Florida’s winter crops, which include:

• Avocados
• Bell pepper
• Broccoli
• Celery
• Corn
• Cucumbers
• Radishes
• Cabbage
• Citrus
• Eggplant
• Green beans
• Potatoes
• Strawberries
• Squash
• Tomatoes

In terms of specific grower remedies, Simpson said, “We are confident that under your leadership, USDA will move promptly to make any and all assistance available under the Farm Service Agency and other USDA programs available to farmers to help them recover. Florida’s producers are taking every possible step to protect their operations, but the severity of this storm will result in losses that require swift federal support.”

While Simpson’s letter predated this weekend’s icy conditions, the threat remains ongoing. According to FloridaPolitics.com, NWS forecasters project “widespread frost” into Monday and Florida temperatures are expected to fall into the 30s again on Tuesday night. Sub-freezing temperatures could stretch as far south into areas such as Collier County on the Gulf Coast and Broward County on the Atlantic Coast.

U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council President weighs in

Kasey Cronquist shared a post on Linkedin (shown below) in the aftermath of last weekend’s deep-freeze that hit the southeast. He joined Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Walter Simpson in pledging his organization’s support for growers in the area, stating “the North American Blueberry Council will be doing everything it can to come alongside our growers in the region, helping connect them to resources, elevating their needs and advocating for support where it’s needed most.”

Here are some additional resources from Fruit Growers News on handling extreme cold/frost events in orchards, vineyards and berry blocks:

Techniques for managing frost in vegetable and fruit crops

Tips offered to handle apple frost damage during harvest

Minimize frost damage in strawberries

How cold does it have to be to hurt the grapes with the next frost?

Low-tech strategies for fighting frost shouldn’t be ignored