Florida’s agricultural communities are recovering in the wake of recent Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The storms’ high winds and torrential rain caused flooding in fields and extensive damage to greenhouses and protective structures.

Statewide, reports of heavy losses included citrus, strawberries, vegetable, livestock, and aquaculture sectors. The devastation is significant: counties hit hardest by Hurricane Milton alone account for approximately over $7.4 billion in annual crop and livestock production, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. Experts warn recovery could stretch months to years.

Rebel Farms

In Volusia County, local growers are pushing forward with innovative solutions to keep up production. New Smyrna Beach locals Tyson Cowles, 36, and Maggie Drayton, 37, launched Rebel Farms in 2020, a family run operation.

“We want to plant as many fruit-producing and/or native plants in as many urban and suburban homes as possible,” comments Drayton. “We believe and demonstrate through our urban homestead, that extraordinary amounts of food and native plants can be grown in ordinary homes and neighborhoods. If done at scale, it can change our food diversity, strengthen our ecosystem and sequester carbon in meaningful ways.”

Rebel Farms has weathered four hurricanes, each bringing a harsh mix of flooding and destructive winds (pictured right). After repeated losses, the farm took a strategic turn to combat flood risks. “Instead of planting directly in the ground, we build mounds of organic material five to seven feet high to protect our crops from rising waters,” explains Cowles. This innovative approach aims to shield crops from future storm impacts and keep the farm resilient (pictured top left).

“Innovation literally saved us,” says Cowles. “We lost 90 percent of our 300+ fruit trees to a ‘once in a 500 year flood event’ in Hurricane Ian (2022). Within just two years, we have changed our entire strategy from the ground up. We then took another ‘once in a 500 year flood event’ from Hurricane Milton (2024). Milton took less than 5 percent.”

To prepare for future events, the property features organic swales designed to divert and manage excess water. The farmers also relocated their vegetable crops to raised beds one to two feet high to avoid flood damage. Additionally, the farm has established natural wind-breaks using hardy, wind-tolerant plants like bamboo and sea grapes to shield crops from strong gusts.

While Rebel Farms focuses on adapting its outdoor crops to withstand the elements, other growers are turning to indoor farming as a way to control the uncontrollable. Just a few miles away, an indoor operation is redefining what it means to grow fresh produce in Florida. By cultivating crops in climate-controlled environments, this approach aims to eliminate risks from weather, ensuring a consistent harvest even during the most volatile seasons.

Michael’s Greens Microgreens

Located in Port Orange, resilient local growers Michael, 40, and Anny Garces, 32, have created Michael’s Greens Microgreens to cultivate fresh, nutrient-dense microgreens indoors. In the wake of the hurricanes, the Garces’ have found solace in their in-home setup, which allows them to sidestep the elements. Their setup not only ensures a steady supply of microgreens for local markets but also highlights an innovative model for farming in increasingly unpredictable climates.

Rebel Farms and Michael’s Greens Microgreens are testaments to adaptability in Volusia County’s farming community. Through innovative techniques these growers have found ways to survive amid the challenges posed by Florida’s unpredictable weather. As more farmers explore new methods to safeguard their crops and sustain their operations, these growers offer a blueprint for embracing change while staying rooted in tradition.

Resources for Recovery and Growth

To aid recovery efforts, Florida Farm Bureau President Jeb Smith urges affected farmers to access resources through the Florida Farm Bureau website, FloridaFarmBureau.org and the Florida Department of Agriculture at FDACS.gov. These platforms offer essential guidance and support for those navigating the difficult path to rebuilding.