Florida's Citrus Industry: A Century of Legacy and New Challenges Ahead

Florida's Citrus Industry: A Century of Legacy and New Challenges Ahead

Florida’s citrus industry, a cornerstone of the state’s agricultural legacy, is currently navigating turbulent waters. This sector has long been shaped by families dedicated to the land, exemplified by the Snively family. With over a century of involvement, Jim Snively, a fourth-generation grower and Vice President of Grove Operations for Southern Gardens Grove Corporation, brings a personal touch to the industry. His family’s history begins with John A. Snively Sr., who laid down roots in Winter Haven, Florida, back in 1914, acquiring land for citrus groves and establishing a legacy. Today, the Snively family oversees about 10,000 acres of groves, a processing plant, and more, showcasing their enduring commitment to Florida’s citrus heritage Lake O News reports.

However, the journey has not been without challenges. Jim, who started working in the orange groves at just 14 in the 1970s, knows all too well about the ups and downs in this line of work. Through significant weather events and economic downturns, including notable freezes in the 1960s and challenging years in the 1980s, the industry has shown resilience. Yet the 2000s have ushered in more complex challenges, such as hurricanes, citrus canker, and the relentless advance of citrus greening disease.

Citrus Greening: The Ongoing Battle

Known scientifically as Huanglongbing (HLB), citrus greening was first identified in Florida in August 2005 and has since devastated orange and grapefruit production across the state. A staggering 92.5% decrease in orange production and a remarkable 95.6% drop in grapefruit output have been witnessed, a situation that has left many growers grappling with a tough reality News-Press reveals. Citrus greening affects nearly all citrus groves in Florida and is spread by the Asian citrus psyllid, leaving trees to wither within years.

Jim Snively, alongside other growers, remains part of a collaborative effort that emphasizes early detection and removal of infected trees as a part of the strategy against this disease. Moreover, efforts include controlling the psyllid and replanting, showcasing a community rallying together to restore their beloved groves. The emergence of ongoing research into disease-tolerant hybrids and various treatments, including CRISPR gene editing technology, holds promise for the future.

Florida’s citrus production has recently hit a 105-year low, with growers facing mounting pressures, including decreased consumer demand and significant economic challenges. Noteworthy is Alico Inc., the state’s largest citrus grower, which recently announced an end to its citrus operations, leading to the loss of 200 jobs. As the industry struggles, nearly 50% of citrus acreage in Southwest Florida has vanished, leading to a loss of roughly 90% in fruit production, raising concerns for the future of thousands of Florida families relying on citrus farming for their livelihoods as detailed by IFAS.

The Future Ahead

Despite these daunting realities, Jim’s passion for the industry remains a beacon of hope. “I stayed in this business because I love it and because of what it means for my family and for Florida,” he reflects. As the citrus industry navigates through its challenges, there’s an emerging shift towards fresh fruit markets, a change that could reshape the landscape of Florida’s citrus sector moving forward.

In a tangible action to support this vital industry, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture recently announced over $500 million in disaster relief for Florida farmers battling diseases and pests. Additionally, the Florida budget allocates nearly $140 million to help revitalize citrus through commercial-scale trials, aiming to combat greening effectively.

As Jim Snively and his fellow growers look to the future, they remain steadfast in their commitment to Florida’s citrus legacy, determined to keep the industry thriving in the face of adversity. For this industry, there’s a rich history intertwined with hope, innovation, and a community that has stood the test of time.