Southwest Florida farmers face crop challenges after winter freezes

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. - Local farmers in Southwest Florida are feeling the chill as repeated winter freezes impact crops, and concerns over imports from Mexico add to the challenges.

At Farmer Mike's U-Pick, strawberries are still ripe for picking, but not all crops have fared well in the cold. Farmer Mike said, "We feel like this has probably been the coldest that we've seen in at least 20 years, because there's been so many mornings below the 32-degree mark."

While strawberries, broccoli and cabbage can withstand freezing temperatures, tomatoes, peppers and squash struggle below 32 degrees. As supply drops, prices rise.

"When the supply is constrained, the prices go up... green beans, sweet corn, tomatoes, eggplant, they're all going to be a little tougher to find than they would typically be this time of year," said Farmer Mike.

Beyond Florida's weather, the U.S. relies heavily on imports from Mexico for avocados, limes and berries. Prolonged disruptions there could quickly impact grocery shelves here.

"If it lasts for 234 weeks, there's going to be no avocados, limes to be found. You're going to see a constraint on raspberries, blackberries, blueberries. I mean, I could go on and on. You will see immediate effects," said Farmer Mike.

Customers like Carolyn Opre emphasize the importance of supporting local farms.

"I have a lot of friends and stuff who have, like, local businesses and small businesses and things, and so it's good to be able to come out and just support anyone who's, you know, working hard in their area and helping all the people in their area," she said.

Farmer Mike believes this season could be one of the most challenging in years and encourages Southwest Floridians to shop local.