Thursday, September 7, 2017

Hurricanes & Agriculture impacts

Between Irma and Harvey there will be great economic impact on us all.    It goes without saying of the devastation in Texas from #Harvey, and the soon to be seen impact of #Irma on all of Florida.
The immediate destruction will be obvious but the other, trickle-down-economics of a hurricane's impact may be felt for months.  

Per the article about some Florida farms Sugar and Hog farms brace for Irma    hurricane prepping is already in motion.  Moving livestock to higher ground and storing grain for possible transportation outages is just one example.

Orange trees may be completely destroyed, another huge crop for Florida and the US period.

For the floral industry, although what we do is not considered a necessity, we too will feel the impact. Florida is a major producer of greenery (leather leaf, lemon leaf, moss, etc) and green plants.  Green plants not only for decorative purposes but also for the production of fresh herbs, fruit and vegetables.   Expect the prices of even the modest leather leaf greenery, found in most floral arrangements to double in price.  Other countries that import Florida-grown greenery will also feel the price increase - and possibly a transportation disruption.

Florida boasts one of the busiest international airports for exporting and importing in the US- Miami International.   All products being imported from South America, Mexico and elsewhere come through this airport to be inspected and then loaded on trucks or connecting flights for distribution throughout the US.   As of today, American Airlines has canceled 2,000 flights scheduled for Miami.
Growers won't be able to ship flowers into Miami throughout much of this weekend.  Transporation could be further complicated by the damage after Irma leaves, as the roads may be impassable even if the product lands safely in Miami.   You may not see the price increases right away, but as supply and demand laws go into full effect, you will see steep increases on everything from gas, oranges, cotton,  pork and yes, even flowers.


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