Based on figures reported by growers, total crop losses across the state through mid-April 2020 may exceed $522.5 million.

Topics: Florida

Florida is the nation’s second-largest producer of seasonal specialty crops such as blueberries, strawberries, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and more.

The Florida foodservice industry’s demand for fresh produce has plummeted as large-scale buyers including restaurants, school districts, food processing facilities, and others have closed due to COVID-19.

Farmers who depend significantly on these high-volume purchases are experiencing losses.

In addition to these COVID-19 market issues, high volumes of unfairly-priced Mexican imported produce continue to over-saturate the U.S.

market and driving prices below the economical point to harvest, pack, cool and ship the domestic product.

As Florida and Mexico share nearly-identical growing seasons, COVID-19 has intensified the problem for Florida farmers. ■