Isaac leaves much of the state citrus crop rotting on the ground

Hurricane Isaac’s damage to Louisiana agriculture was originally estimated at about $100 million. It flatted sugar cane, damaged soybeans and disturbed rice fields and other crops. But if the weather cooperates between now and harvest, the overall outcome could be better than expected, said LSU AgCenter economist Kurt Guidry, who described the state as being “fairly lucky” after all.

For state citrus growers, however, it’s a different story.

Guidry estimated on September 5 that 37% of the state’s citrus crop was damaged in Plaquemines, Lafourche and Terrebonne Parishes, which produce half of Louisiana’s citrus fruits.

Ben Becnel, a longtime grower in Plaquemines Parish, told the AgCenter, “It’s the worst we’ve ever had by far.” Baton Rougeans see Becnel’s produce in independent grocery stores throughout the area during citrus season.

Throughout the lower parishes, Isaac knocked oranges, grapefruits and satsumas to the ground about a month before harvest. What may be worse, the storm also brought serious flooding. Some of Becnel’s trees were surrounded by as much as seven feet of water and are now thick with marsh muck, which will be tested for salt content. Damage won’t be fully understood until later.

Becnel estimates he will have only about 10% of saleable fruit this season, and fears that about half of his 2,500 trees may be lost. Even trees that bounce back will probably not yield as much fruit next year, said AgCenter agent Alan Vaughn.

Citrus growers Lester L’hoste and Mel Barrois, who sell at the Red Stick Farmers Market, are facing similar troubles. Barrois had about 17 feet of water on his property in Belle Chasse, says Big River Economic and Agricultural Development Alliance Executive Director Copper Alvarez. She’s headed out this week to review damage here and at other market and to coordinate aid through the Small Farm Survival Fund, an emergency relief fund coordinated through BREADA and the Baton Rouge Area Foundation. Alvarez estimates the fund will donate about $50,000 in aid meant to help farmers get by until government relief hits. For more information or to donate, click here.