As growers in the East assess the agricultural impacts of Hurricane Helene, Royal Food Service is committed to doing everything in our power to ensure everything runs smoothly for our customers throughout these trying times.
…
The hurricane’s path affected the entire region from South Florida, through Georgia, to North Carolina and Tennessee. If flooding was not enough, gale force winds caused further wind scarring, and the damage to crops is only further exacerbated by widespread power outages throughout the affected areas. While the land recovers, the infrastructure must too.
Key Notes:
Western North Carolina – The fall season is at this time considered a loss.
Tennessee – Flooding has decimated the tomato harvest bringing it to an abrupt end.
Georgia – Despite a key crop region being hit, we made it through relatively unscathed. Evaluations are still ongoing, and we can expect to see disruptions in the coming weeks.
Florida – Minimal crop damage since planting had not yet begun, but more data to come.
The biggest impacts will be seen on tomatoes and other vegetable crops. Demand for these products have firmed up, as it shifts to Texas and other western regions in the interim.
Furthermore, a heat wave on the west coast will raise temperatures by 10-20 degrees on average in the coastal growing regions of the Santa Maria and Salinas Valleys. This compounded with pre-existing struggles like insects and mildew, will have a heavy impact on the late fall season.
Lastly, the tropics remain active, and we are monitoring any developments in the Gulf and Atlantic.
…
All things considered, fall supplies will be problematic and the full extent of the situation is developing, but we are optimistic.
If you have questions or need further information please contact your Royal sales representative.