FEBRUARY 20, 2006

ISSUE 1103

COLD DAMAGES FLORIDA CROPS

 

Temperatures fell into the upper 20s for hours in the Everglades Agricultural Area and the Devil's Garden region Tuesday (February 14), damaging a substantial portion of western Palm Beach County's corn, beans, peppers, lettuce, and other crops.

 

"The average damage percentage from those I've spoken to is 80 percent," said Danny Raulerson, FFVA's director, Marketing & Membership Division.

 

Strawberry operations also reported market losses due to freeze protection methods.

 

Raulerson said some growers plan to replant, using earlier-maturing varieties.