By Freddie Mooche

(AXcess News) Washington - Freezing weather in January damaged Florida tomato crops to the extent that supplies have been severly hampered as a result, pushing food prices higher nationwide.

Florida tomato growers said the weather experienced in January will not affect April crops and that as a result, prices will return to normal.

AccuWeather.com Expert Senior Meteorologist Dan Kottlowski was quoted as saying, "Daytime highs will be in the 70s across Central Florida most of next week, with parts of South Florida reaching close to 80 F."

Central and South Florida incurred eleven days of below-freezing temperatures in January which obliterated the entire tomato crop.

Tomato prices have more-than doubled as result of the freeze in January.