The Thanksgiving season often signals the arrival of Louisiana's citrus harvest - satsumas and navel oranges on prominent display in grocery stores, community markets and highway fruit stands. But, this year, Hurricane Isaac devastated the area that accounts for the majority of the state crop.
There is still citrus available, but in much lower quantities than usual, which means prices are higher of course.
Many Plaquemines citrus farmers say they lost about 75 percent of their satsuma crop and about 90 percent of their navel oranges. Additionally the season is expected to end earlier this year. For example, the satsumas, which are usually available until Christmas, are likely to begone within the next couple of weeks.
It wasn't just crops that the farmers lost, they also lost equipment, supply chain facilities and, in extreme cases, their homes.
Alan Vaughn, the Louisiana AgCenter agent who works with the Plaquemines citrus industry, fears that even trees that bounce back may not yield as much fruit next year.
The majority of the Plaquemines citrus loss came from the storm's prolonged and intense wind and rain that knocked fruit off trees.
Overall, more navel oranges dropped than satsumas, as a result of their weight.
LSU AgCenter economist Kurt Guidry says there also is "a serious threat of tree death given the prolonged period of flooded conditions," particularly on the east bank of Plaquemines.
Any fruit touched by flood waters cannot be sold in the marketplace, according to Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain.
