October 2022
Economists with UF/IFAS released a preliminary assessment of agricultural losses that outlined values between $787 million and $1.56 billion statewide.
The estimated loss is part of the UF/IFAS Economic Impact Analysis Program and is outlined in a Hurricane Ian assessment report.
Hurricane Ian impacted nearly five million acres of agricultural lands. Southwest Florida counties were hit the hardest and actual assessments may not be known for weeks.
According to UF/IFAS program director and assistant professor Christa Court, the estimate accounts for production losses or changes in expected revenues for the current calendar or market year.
Commodities predicted to sustain significant losses include citrus, vegetables, melons and livestock operations.
The survey remains open and the economists will release a full report once a final analysis is complete. Producers impacted by Hurricane Ian are strongly encouraged to complete the survey as soon as possible.
The preliminary report can be viewed at Preliminary Assessment of Agricultural Losses Resulting from Hurricane Ian (ufl.edu).