2004-9-13
This is Gwen Outen with the VOA Special English Agriculture
Report.
The state of Florida usually enjoys excellent weather conditions
for agriculture. But this year, Florida has suffered from two major
ocean storms. Hurricane Charley hit the western coast of Florida in
the middle of August. Three weeks later, Hurricane Frances struck
the eastern coast and crossed the state.
Florida's Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson estimates that
the two storms have cost farmers between eight hundred and one
thousand million dollars. Mister Bronson asked Florida Governor Jeb
Bush to declare an agricultural disaster in thirteen counties.
Florida's total crop production is worth almost seven thousand
million dollars. That is fourth in the nation.
The orange is Florida's biggest single crop. It is one of several
kinds of citrus fruit. Florida has a sixty-eight percent share of
the value of the fresh orange market.
The state's citrus industry is the most valuable in the country.
Some reports place the total value of the industry at about nine
thousand million dollars, including processed products.
The United States Department of Agriculture had expected a good
citrus harvest for two thousand four. After Hurricane Charley,
officials estimated that about twenty percent of the crop was lost.
Hurricane Frances affected many of the same areas. It brought
winds of over one hundred fifty kilometers per hour. It also brought
heavy rains and flooding to many areas. Citrus-producing areas like
Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin counties were damaged by both
storms.
Officials are still studying the damage to Florida's citrus crop.
Reports suggest that the grapefruit harvest will be severely hurt.
Florida produces more than seventy percent of the country's
grapefruit. Its share of the market is worth about two hundred
million dollars.
Also, farmers are still trying to estimate the damage caused to
the vegetable crop. Florida has the second most valuable vegetable
crop of any state. It grows more than one fourth of America's
tomatoes.
After Hurricane Charley, Congress approved two thousand million
dollars in aid for Florida that President Bush requested. Hurricane
Frances added to the damage. And now, areas of Florida have been
preparing for the possible effects of another major ocean storm,
Hurricane Ivan. The Atlantic hurricane season is just over halfway
through.
This VOA Special English Agriculture Report was written by Mario
Ritter. This is Gwen Outen.