FLORIDA FLOODING COULD RAISE POTATO PRICES
Published online: May 29, 2009
Viewed 1639 time(s)
Web Exclusive
AccuWeather.com reports that heavy rainfall in Florida may impact the price of potato.
One third of the winter/spring potato production in the U.S. comes from Florida. A wide variety of potatoes are grown in the state ranging from the large, white brand to the fancy gourmet types. The potatoes are used for everything from baking and mashing to french fries and potato chips.
Of all the Florida counties, St. Johns, Putnam and Flagler produce the majority of the Florida potato crop. January through June is potato growing season in the Sunshine State with the latter two months representing the bulk of the harvest time.
The same three counties were walloped by 1 to 2 feet of rain over the past week, which has left many potato fields flooded. The high water and subsequent rot is expected to result in losses of $45 million, according to to officials.
With such a significant influence on the spring market, the loss could translate to higher prices at the grocery store and restaurants in the coming weeks, until the summer crop from the northern states takes hold.