Being Dealt a Blow

  With Hurricane Matthew bearing down on the Florida coast today, I could not help but think of all of the citrus farmers that would be having problems.  Not only are their lives and homes in danger but they stand to lose their livelihood if any orchards are in the path of the hurricane. The fruit on the trees may not be able to withstand the winds and surely the deluge of rain will cause problems.  It made me sad to think of what it would be like for these people.  Everything could possibly be wiped out in a matter of hours.  Their hard work could be for naught.  With a loss like that, it could be years before these folks recuperate business wise.

  Citrus fruit is one of those crops that is harvested late in the year.  Our trees set the fruit in spring then after a summer of maturing, we harvest in late fall or even early winter. (The grapefruit on our trees are just starting to turn colors!)  Hurricanes and tropical systems can wreak havoc on the trees.  Not only will a lot of fruit be whipped from the limbs, the trees, themselves, can receive devastating damage.  A lot of trees could possibly be uprooted.  This loss can be so severe that it takes years to reestablish the orchards. 

  That said, do not be surprised to pay a bit more for the luxury of eating fresh citrus fruit during the upcoming and even next season.  While most of us only see the inconvenience in the grocery stores, think of the poor folks that will be hurting for years to come through no fault of their own.  Pay that extra without complaint.  Even just a few extra cents out of your pocket at the grocery store can mean all the difference in the world to the folks trying to rebuild their lives.  We have been there and done that so I am speaking purely from experience.  It is not easy and takes years.  The folks impacted by this hurricane will surely appreciate any help they can get and we all should try to be supportive.  Lend a hand, send a few dollars, pray and generally just be there for the good folks in the path of this monster of a storm.