The pictures from a farm in Keaau show acres of papaya trees flattened in the high winds. Their shallow root structures no match for Iselle’s gusts.

Agriculture officials say the worst reports of damage are from the papaya industry from Kapoho to Mountain View.

They are reaching out to farmers to take stock of how many trees are down and the value of lost crops.

"We are looking for acreage right now. They should be documenting, taking photos. and preparing their farm records so when we meet with them we can assist them," said Diane Ley USDA farm Service Director.

Besides papaya there are reports of flower nurseries damaged from as far north as Kohala, and word is just trickling in about coffee and mac nuts in Kau.

"Macadamia nuts in Kau were apparently hit pretty hard the winds and there been some erosion we've hearing from flooding," said Ley.

Farmers and ranchers and landowners were to meet Monday afternoon to share information. The damage is said to include everything from greenhouses to small water irrigation systems.

Officials are trying to see determine if the damage will trigger an emergency disaster declaration which would free up more loans for farmers.

Some farmers have crop insurance. But many don’t.

Agriculture officials hope to have a better handle on the losses statewide by the end of the week. The crop damage could mean higher prices in the marketplace.

Some 90 percent of the state’s papaya farms are on the Big Island.

Source - http://www.freshplaza.com/