Prior to the events of early February, Florida was positioned for a milestone year. Across the state, both evergreen and deciduous crops showed exceptional promise. We were prepared to enter a “hungry” market with high-quality berries and strong volume—momentum that was abruptly challenged by a historic “super-cooling” freeze.

​While the sheer weight of ice and sustained low temperatures pushed our infrastructure to its absolute limit, the focus of the FBGA and our industry leaders has shifted entirely toward response, recovery, and making the most of this season.

​Focusing on the Future

This was not a standard frost; it was a deep, invasive cold event that forced many of us to run water for unprecedented durations. Despite the loss of fruit and flowers, our collective struggle has already moved the needle in Washington.

​The Risk Management Agency (RMA) now has a much deeper understanding of “super-cooling” events. We are pushing to reform their position for future events, ensuring that insurance requirements better reflect the technical realities of modern freeze protection. This was a priority even before the freeze, but our previous efforts had struggled to convey that adding water in those specific conditions can actually worsen the damage.

​The Path Forward: 2026 and Beyond

For many who had advanced flowers or fruit, the crop was reset or lost. Current assessments suggest a statewide crop of roughly 50%, with some farms facing total losses while others remain above 70%, depending on their specific timing and development.

​The market remains strong, and our strategy is now two-fold:

• ​Pivoting to 2027: For those with severe damage, the most viable path was to prune in February and March. This is a painful but strategic sacrifice to protect long-term plant health. By focusing on wood health now, these growers are positioning themselves for a robust 2027.

• ​Infrastructure & Insurance: This season proved that our pumps and our people are the backbone of our survival. I strongly recommend that all members maintain at least basic catastrophic insurance. Not only does this provide a safety net, but it is the “key” that opens the door to federal disaster programs. We also encourage exploring non-conventional “insurance,” such as diversifying with late-season or self-fruitful varieties.

​National Support and Results

​The FBGA is working daily alongside the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC), the North American Blueberry Council (NABC), and the FFVA to ensure Florida growers do not navigate this loss in isolation. Our advocacy is yielding tangible results:

• ​Disaster Declarations: During the NABC "Blueberry Hill Climb" in D.C., Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins signed a disaster declaration. This is a massive win for our state’s disaster response. We also saw incredible engagement at our FBGA spring meeting and field day in Citra—thank you to our members and sponsors for your continued support.

• ​Federal Funding: Congress is considering a supplemental funding package including up to $5 billion for specialty crops. We are fighting to ensure Florida blueberries are a priority. Please look for the NABC “Call to Action” email sent in March to make your voice heard in securing these funds.

• ​Technical Programs: We are streamlining information for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) and the Tree Assistance Program (TAP). Many growers are already using TAP to replant with superior genetics—turning a loss into an opportunity to modernize.

​Closing Thoughts

​While 2026 volume is not what we dreamed of in January, we still have a solid crop to bring to market, and Florida genetics remain the gold standard. Whether you are harvesting a partial crop or utilizing new genetics to reshape your fields, remember: Farmers are the most resilient segment of the American economy. The FBGA remains committed to advocating for your success.