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From Hurricanes Fiona and Ian to flooding in eastern Kentucky and a record-dry summer as the western United States entered its 22nd year of a once-in-a-millennium megadrought, the United States has already experienced over a dozen major weather catastrophes, with setbacks surpassing $1 billion.
Crops are struggling to grow – and produce the same yields – as they would under normal weather conditions
Growers in parts of Polk, Highlands, Hardee and DeSoto counties report that Ian claimed from 50 to 90 percent of their citrus crops. Before the storm, the state’s citrus harvest was already expected to be the lowest since 1935.
The climate crisis could force grocery bills even higher, as drought in California and Hurricane Ian in Florida have damaged crops of fruits and vegetables, Reuters reported Monday.
Farmers across the state face major losses. Gov. DeSantis has approved a program granting money to small businesses, including farmers.