Florida's Citrus Crisis: The Decline of an Icons Fruit Industry

Orange County, Florida, USA - In 2025, Florida’s citrus industry is facing a crisis that has deep roots in both disease and disaster. With a history once marked by dominance in orange juice production, the startling reality today reveals a significant drop in citrus yields. Dan Richey, the CEO of Riverfront Packing Company in Indian River County, who has been in the industry since 1981, points to a troubling trend. “Florida used to lead the nation in orange production, but we now grow only a fraction of what we once did,” Richey shared. This sentiment resonates with TCPalm’s Jack Randall, who spent months investigating the causes of this decline.

Randall uncovered that the principal adversary in this fight is citrus greening disease (Huanglongbing, or HLB). Originally reported in South Florida around 20 years ago, this disease drastically reduces crop yields and can even kill the trees. The invasive insect that spreads the disease has turned what was once a robust industry into a struggling one. “Historical records show that citrus greening had been gaining a foothold for years before producers truly recognized the gravity of the situation,” Randall noted.

Declining Production and Increased Challenges

According to University of Florida research, since 2005, Florida has seen a staggering 92% reduction in orange production, dropping from a peak of 242 million boxes to just 104.6 million in 2014. This decline only worsened over the years, with surveys revealing that an overwhelming 90% of citrus acreage is now infected with HLB. Growers have watched their trees, and livelihoods, suffer significantly. In fact, 60% of surveyed growers reported yield losses greater than 40%, a sharp contrast to the vibrant industry of the past.

The plight of Florida’s citrus orchards is compounded by natural disasters. The U.S. Department of Agriculture notes that hurricanes have exacerbated the decline, with four major storms hitting between 2004 and 2005, further damaging crops and spreading diseases like citrus canker. More recently, hurricanes in 2017 and 2022 inflicted additional harm, leading to a production outlook that remains uncertain, with the forecast for orange production in the 2023–24 season at merely 846,000 tons—one of the lowest in nearly 90 years.

A Glimmer of Hope

However, not all is lost. Insights from Randall’s research show that while the industry is deeply troubled, innovations such as gene editing technology, including CRISPR, may pave the way for disease-resistant citrus fruits. This technological leap could ultimately help revitalize an industry that has long been on the defensive.

Despite the formidable obstacles that growers face, Richey remains optimistic about the potential for recovery. “Every threat has a counter, and with the right support, we might yet see Florida return to its citrus-growing glory.” His steadfast commitment to advocacy in the Agricultural Trade Advisory Committee bolsters this hope, as support from industry leaders becomes increasingly critical.

In summary, the story of Florida’s citrus is one of both challenge and resilience. As Randall’s thorough investigation shows, the roots of its decline run deep, tangled with time and trouble. Yet, as the industry looks for solutions, there’s definitely something to be said for the determination of those like Richey who continue to fight for a vibrant future.