Florida Citrus Legacy at Risk: Growers Face Tough Battle Against Greening

Florida Citrus Legacy at Risk: Growers Face Tough Battle Against Greening

The citrus industry in Florida is steeped in history, with a rich legacy nurtured by families for over a century. Among these families is the Snively clan, who have dedicated more than 100 years to cultivating citrus fruits. Jim Snively, a fourth-generation citrus grower and Vice President of Grove Operations for Southern Gardens Grove Corporation, embodies this commitment. His great-grandfather, John A. Snively Sr., set roots in Winter Haven, Florida, back in 1914, laying the groundwork for what would become a sprawling enterprise featuring about 10,000 acres of citrus groves, a processing plant, a packing house, and even a wooden box production facility.

Jim’s own journey in the industry began at age 14 in the 1970s, a time when the sector was grappling with various challenges. “I love what I do, and the impact it has had on my family keeps me going,” Jim remarked. Unfortunately, the business has weathered storms, both literal and metaphorical. The 2000s unleashed a new wave of hurdles—hurricanes, citrus canker, and the insidious citrus greening disease began to plague the industry, decimating crops and impacting the livelihood of growers across Florida. According to Lake O News, collaboration with industry partners and ongoing research has been critical in addressing citrus greening, focusing on strategies like early detection and removal of infected trees.

Crisis in the Citrus Industry

The citrus greening disease, first identified in Florida in August 2005, has wreaked havoc across the state’s groves. In fact, orange production has plummeted by a staggering 92.5% since the disease’s arrival, with grapefruit production shrinking by 95.6%. This trend marks a significant crisis for Florida’s citrus sector, which is facing its lowest production levels in 105 years. Dan Richey, CEO of Riverfront Packing Company, has been a part of the industry since 1981 and now sits on the Agricultural Trade Advisory Committee. His insights stress the urgency for solutions in these tough times, particularly as many growers have turned away from citrus farming altogether, selling their lands to developers.

Last season saw Florida’s citrus production drop to a historical low, with the number of orange boxes harvested falling from 242 million in the 2003-04 season to a mere 17.96 million in 2023-24. The drop-off is painfully evident: citrus acreage has been reduced from 541,800 acres of oranges and 71,000 acres of grapefruit to just 231,300 and 11,800 acres, respectively. As reported by News-Press, the march of housing developments continues to threaten what remains of Florida’s citrus legacy.

Facing the Future

As the landscape shifts, some growers are clinging to hope through partnerships and research aiming to combat citrus greening. The Citrus Research and Development Foundation is funding studies that explore everything from disease-tolerant hybrids to CRISPR gene editing technology as potential solutions for restoring the health of groves. Nevertheless, current economic realities weigh heavily on farmers. Lower consumer demand and increased production costs leave many uncertain about their futures.

Interestingly, Florida is still the largest orange-producing state in the U.S. and ranks third globally behind Brazil and China. Approximately 95% of Florida’s oranges are processed for juice, as noted in University of Florida’s EDIS. The hope is that a shift toward the fresh fruit market could change the tide for struggling growers, but the road ahead remains fraught with challenges. For the sake of future generations, Floridians are hopeful that the cherished citrus legacy can withstand these turbulent times.

In conclusion, the heartfelt dedication of families like the Snivelys and ongoing efforts by citrus growers to adapt and innovate offer a glimmer of hope. As Jim Snively puts it, the love for the work and its historical significance is what keeps this industry alive against all odds.