Southeast U.S. Produce Growers Tracking Damage After Big Chill [PHOTOS]

Produce growers are still busy assessing crop damages in the wake of the recent winter storm and extreme Arctic blast that impacted much of the country. With major freeze events, it’s often growers won’t know the true extent of the damage until weeks later. Sometimes it’s even longer.

Here’s what we’re hearing and seeing from the field.

“Florida’s citrus growers are closely monitoring the impact of recent freezing temperatures, ” says Matt Joyner, Executive VP of Florida Citrus Mutual. “Early observations indicate that damage varies, with some areas experiencing greater impact than others. Prior to these recent freezes, growers reported a high-quality crop this season and recent cold snaps likely helped trees acclimate to the conditions. We remain optimistic that treatments, therapies and replanting efforts deployed in recent years will bolster tree health, helping growers pull through and begin to set their crop for next season.”

Check out more chilling scenes captured by Joyner in local groves.

The Florida Farm Burau Federation also weighed in on the freeze event aftermath by releasing this statement:

“The recent and continuing cold weather events have challenged Florida’s farmers at a critical time during the growing season. Damage is still being assessed, but we know it is significant. Florida Farm Bureau is working with its members, stakeholders and elected officials to assess damages and be a voice for disaster relief.”

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In a statement recently released by the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association, the industry organization focused on all the hard work that goes into protecting crops during extreme weather, as well as the damage assessments that come after.

“In the face of freezing temperatures, our farmers demonstrated remarkable dedication and care, working tirelessly around the clock to protect their crops. That commitment was evident in every action at all hours of the night, whether deploying frost protection measures, closely monitoring fields, replacing broken irrigation, or making rapid, critical decisions to safeguard the fruits and vegetables that nourish families nationwide.

“At first light [this morning], growers were back out in the fields, carefully assessing for any signs of freeze injury. While this assessment has already begun, it will take time to fully understand the extent of the impact, which will vary greatly by crop and farm location.”

To help expedite recovery, growers are encouraged to take UF/IFAS’ freeze impact survey to report agricultural losses. Click here to participate.

Meanwhile, produce growers outside of Florida also are taking similar action. Watch this report from a local news station near New Orleans.