This week, state Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson announced the results of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Hurricane Idalia Aquaculture Economic Impact Survey.
The survey estimated that the adjusted reported losses from Aquaculture Certificate of Registration holders and shellfish processors totaled $34,159,952 from Hurricane Idalia.
“Aquaculture is Florida’s most diverse agribusiness, and it took a hard hit following Hurricane Idalia – particularly the shellfish industry in the impacted areas,” said Simpson. “While these numbers are estimates, they are expected to increase as farmers continue to evaluate losses, and we will do everything we can to support this important industry unique to Florida and ensure that they have all the tools they need to recover.”
A copy of the FDACS Hurricane Idalia Aquaculture Economic Impact Survey Summary can be found here.
The department continues work to complete a comprehensive damage assessment for agriculture that includes comprehensive crop and animal losses as well as damage to agricultural infrastructure, like barns, fences, and irrigation systems.
