MR. GREENS "FRESH TIPS"
January 12, 2001
Freeze Conditions In Florida Are Affecting Produce Prices
For 10 winters, Florida has escaped any major devastating freeze. Hurricanes, yes. Freezes, no. Cold freezing temperatures do far more to disrupt agriculture than any other weather condition. Freezes not only affect the current year's crop, but also future crops because of damage to trees.From late December into early January, growers in Florida have had nightly freeze warnings. Meteorologists in Florida expect this year to be particularly bad, but growers are hoping this won't be a signal of several years of freezing conditions.
Growers still talk of the six devastating freezes which crippled citrus groves from 1977 to 1986. Meteorologists site over 100 years of weather records which show that in "Neutral" years, freezing temperatures are more common. In 24 years El Nino years, there has only been one strong freeze. In 24 years La Nina years, there were 6 strong freezes. In 54 "neutral" years, there have been 15 strong freezes.Freezes will affect citrus crops like Oranges, Grapefruit and Tangerines. Florida grows about 75% of the nation's Tangerine supply, and about 60% of the nation's Grapefruit crop. During winter months, Florida also supplies about half of the nation's supply of winter vegetables from Bell Peppers, Cabbage, Celery, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Green Beans, Lettuce, Squash and Tomatoes. From December through January, Florida's Plant City region also supplies about 80% of the nation's Strawberry supply. Freezing temperatures in Florida are causing vegetable prices to take sharp jumps upward. Watch the weather in Florida. It does affect the produce department around the country.
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