How Weather is Leading to the Decline of Florida’s Citrus Industry

How Weather is Leading to the Decline of Florida’s Citrus IndustryFlorida's citrus industry, once a dominant force and a core part of the state's identity, is facing a severe crisis. A combination of factors, most notably citrus greening disease and increasingly frequent and intense hurricanes, have decimated production. Leading growers are ceasing citrus operations, and industry stakeholders are urgently seeking legislative action to provide research funding and marketing support to prevent further collapse. Mentioned link: https://citrusrdf.org/Key Themes and Facts:Dramatic Production Decline: The sources highlight a drastic reduction in citrus production in Florida.One source states, "We’ve dropped nearly 90% in production of oranges and all citrus," (Matt Joyner, CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual).Alico, a major supplier for Tropicana, reported a "73% decline" in citrus production over the last 10 years.Orange production is forecasted to reach only 12 million boxes for the current season, a significant drop from 244 million boxes in 1998.Citrus Greening Disease: This disease is consistently identified as a major contributing factor to the decline.The article quotes Alico's CEO, John Kiernan, who stated the impact of hurricanes on trees "already weakened from years of citrus greening disease" led to their decision to cease citrus operations.Growers are "hoping for more green and less greening."Impact of Hurricanes: Severe storms, including Hurricanes Irma (2017), Ian (2022), and Milton (2024), have further weakened citrus trees and reduced yields.Alico's statement directly attributes their decision to the impact of these hurricanes.Hurricane Milton caused the 2024-2025 orange production forecast to drop 20% from the October projection.Economic Consequences: The decline has significant financial repercussions for the state.Although the citrus industry still generates $6.8 billion annually and pays nearly half a billion in local and state taxes, the downward trend poses a threat.Alico's decision was made because "growing citrus is no longer economically viable."Call for Legislative Action: Citrus growers and industry officials are actively lobbying state lawmakers for assistance."We are an industry in need of your help…" (urgent plea from Florida’s citrus growers).They are seeking increased funding for research and advertising.Shannon Shepp, executive director of the Florida Department of Citrus, invoked Henry Ford, stating, “Stopping advertising to save money is like stopping your watch to save time.”Shift in Land Use: As citrus farming becomes less profitable, some growers are exploring alternative uses for their land.Alico is considering developing commercial or residential projects on a portion of its land holdings.The Future is Uncertain: The industry is at a critical juncture.The future depends on the success of research efforts, the availability of funding, and the ability to combat both citrus greening and the effects of severe weather.Tensions between Florida lawmakers and the governor over an immigration bill could have unpredictable effects on the goals of leadership. Gov. Ron DeSantis does wield a line-item veto pen.