Strawberry damage from freeze significant

PLANT CITY — Strawberry damage from this month’s freeze was worse than expected, but it’s too early to know the overall impact on growers.

Drastic temperature drops in early January have already cost growers at least $15-million, according to the Florida Strawberry Growers Association. The indirect impacts — including pickers’ revenues and packing supplies — could total another $15-million.

That’s significant damage, but it’s not major, said Shawn Crocker, the association’s executive director.

“When you talk to growers, they breathe a sigh of relief because they did not physically lose the core plant,” he said. “They’ve got an opportunity to rebound later in the season.”

What does it mean for strawberry prices? They’re higher right now. But they’ll likely go down as supplies increase.

That’s good news for consumers but bad news for growers, who might have a tougher time making a profit this year, Crocker said.

Strawberry supplies are down more than 30 percent from last year’s levels at this time. And they might not bounce back until after Valentine’s Day.

That will impact berry shipments out of state, but local markets should still have plenty of berries, he said.

-- Catherine E. Shoichet, Times staff writer