Major losses for area potato farmers

The large volume of rain and subsequent flooding in recent weeks has caused significant losses in potato production and other crops for farmers within St. Johns County and the tri-county area.

Early estimates in St. Johns County are 12,000 acres with up to 70 percent lost, totaling $30.24 million of losses in production costs alone, according to County Administrator Michael Wanchick.

County officials have met with the farmers, as well as state and federal officials, and are assisting with emergency declarations and emergency aid resources.