Hurricane Matthew did not make landfall on the coast of Florida, where much of the nation's citrus supply is produced. Matthew had been predicted to adversely impact Florida's fruit and vegetable production, but fortunately most crops seems to have escaped damage.
Florida is the nation's leading producer of tangelos, grapefruit, and oranges for fresh market, accounting for more than 60 percent of the domestic production of each in 2015.
In total, Florida accounted for approximately 56 percent of all domestic citrus production for the combined fresh and processing markets. In the same year, imports of fresh tangelos, grapefruit, and oranges accounted for ten percent, or less, of total supplies; suggesting that Florida's production is a driver of total fresh market domestic supply.
In addition to citrus, Florida is a significant source for the domestic supply of vegetables, including tomatoes, snap beans, bell peppers, and cucumbers, making up approximately eight percent (1.6 million tons) of total U.S. vegetable production.
Planting seasons for many of these vegetables, including tomatoes, bell peppers, and cabbage, had recently begun, suggesting they may have been more at risk.
Both citrus and vegetable producers in the state are reporting some damage to crops; however, the reports largely suggest that the potential negative impacts of the storm in Florida may have been over-estimated.
