The US Southeast agriculture industry is gearing up for disruption as Hurricane Milton, a Category 3 storm with 125 mph winds, approaches Tampa Bay!
With four of Florida’s main ports in its path, the storm threatens to disrupt the import of Central and South American goods, including bananas, pineapples, and fresh orange juice. Port operations have been temporarily halted, and supply networks may experience further pressure, particularly after the recent impacts of Hurricane Helene and a port workers’ strike.
SeaPort Manatee, an essential center for food and beverage, is on high alert as the hurricane hits. The port’s director, Carlos Buqueras, highlighted emergency preparedness, adding that the facility handles a lot of fruit and orange juice.
However, interruptions to land-based transportation, which were already hampered by Hurricane Helene, may worsen the damage, with water and downed trees hampering operations. Other concerns include possible crop damage to Georgia’s pecan trees and Florida’s sugar cane plantations near Lake Okeechobee. Once the storm has passed, the Florida Department of Transportation intends to conduct immediate inspections to resume transportation and port activity.
