Research Literally Blown Away

Florida's climate makes it an important state in terms of agricultural production - it ranks second in the US in the production of fresh vegetables. Scientists at some of the state's major agricultural research centres suffered serious setbacks, as years of research literally blew away in one of the most damaging hurricane seasons to hit the area. Wilma was particularly destructive, destroying 12 greenhouses and damaging 55 of 60 buildings at the Belle Glade centre. Many studies will be delayed until next season; some researchers will have to start their experiments over from scratch. Several research centres are petitioning the Florida state government for funds to rebuild infrastructure and programs. As centres rebuild, they have to expect that they will be hit by destructive storms again in the future and use the opportunity to construct more secure facilities to prevent future setbacks and losses of valuable research.
Link:
Agriculture labs blown for a loss from the Palm Beach Post (story expired)

Posted by Eric La Fountaine at 3:00 PM on February 7, 2006

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