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Hurricane Frances Takes Additional Toll on Florida Citrus Crops:
According to early reports, Hurricane Frances did significant damage to the 2004/05 grapefruit crop in the Indian River citrus area. The hurricane hit Florida’s two biggest grapefruit-producing counties, St. Lucie and Indian River, which account for about 70 percent of the state’s 105,000 grapefruit acres. Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson stated that some citrus growers in and around Indian River County were reporting 80 to 90 percent of oranges and grapefruit were on the ground. In addition, severe flooding has left citrus trees standing in water that could cause their roots to rot and ruin the remaining fruit. On its trek westward, the hurricane went over some of the same areas hit three weeks ago by Hurricane Charley, causing more damage to those areas. Indian River citrus had escaped damage from Hurricane Charley, which is reported to have caused $150-$180 million in damage to the citrus crops in Florida. According to Florida Citrus Mutual, the two storms hit eight of Florida’s 10 biggest citrus-producing counties, with more than 500,000 acres of groves. According to Florida Citrus Mutual, Hurricane Frances will likely put some of the state’s smaller citrus farmers out of business. NASS is not expected to forecast the U.S. 2004/05 citrus crops until October 12, 2004. According to FAO statistics, U.S. production of grapefruit accounts for about 40 percent of world production and exports. Approximately 20 percent of total U.S. production of grapefruit goes to exports. President Bush toured Florida on Wednesday, September 8, 2004.
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