Florida is currently grappling with its worst drought in 25 years, creating a challenging landscape for the state’s vital citrus industry. As of now, a staggering 100% of Florida is experiencing some level of drought, with over 75% of the state facing extreme drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. This relentless drought is putting significant financial pressure on citrus growers who heavily rely on irrigation to maintain their crops.
The citrus industry is not just a local staple; it accounts for a notable 17% of the nation’s citrus production, as reported by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Unfortunately, the state’s citrus acreage has dramatically decreased from over 800,000 acres in 2000 to just over 200,000 acres today, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This decline is largely due to a combination of challenges, including citrus greening disease, hurricane damage, and the ongoing impacts of recent freezes and drought.
Financial Strains and Innovative Solutions
Irrigation costs are on the rise as growers depend on diesel or electric pumps, further complicating their financial situation. One notable player in this landscape is the Dundee Citrus Growers Association, one of Florida’s largest fresh fruit cooperatives, managing over 10,000 acres. They employ innovative techniques such as “CUPS” (Citrus Under Protective Screens) to grow citrus under protective structures. These structures are designed to help manage soil moisture and prevent disease, thus offering a glimmer of hope in these tough conditions.
Each 10-acre pod within these protective screens can yield between 8,000 and 10,000 boxes of citrus, and trees within these controlled environments not only grow faster but also come into production more quickly. Yet, USDA production data reveals a mixed bag: while lemon production increased by 4%, tangerine and tangelo output remained unchanged, grapefruit production fell by 8%, and non-Valencia orange production dropped by 2% (source).
The Current Harvest Outlook
As we look toward the future, the orange harvest in Florida is anticipated to be around 54 million boxes, marking the lowest output since 1947. This figure represents a staggering 21% decline from last season’s 68.7 million boxes. Each box weighs approximately 90 pounds, making this a significant loss for the industry. The harvest has already been severely impacted by drought and various diseases, and the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, which struck Florida on September 10, has further exacerbated these challenges.
In southern Florida, the citrus industry suffered catastrophic losses estimated at about 90%, with the average losses statewide hovering around 70%. Before Hurricane Irma, the yield estimate for the 2017-2018 season was projected at 75 million boxes, but Florida Citrus Mutual now estimates the harvest could plummet to only 31 million boxes. Concerns about the accuracy of USDA’s numbers have been voiced, with Florida’s Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam expressing doubts about the reported figures and suggesting that damage continues to affect the crop yield. Mark Hudson from the USDA clarified that the original counts were made prior to the hurricane based on the number of fallen fruits (source).
Looking Ahead
With all these challenges, the price of orange juice is expected to rise significantly—by more than $2 per gallon. This increase reflects not only the decline in production but also the ongoing struggles faced by growers across the state. As Florida navigates these turbulent times, the resilience of its citrus industry remains a vital concern for many communities that depend on its success.