Florida Citrus Growers Stand Firm: Hope Amid Historic Challenges

Dade City, Florida, USA - Florida’s citrus industry has seen better days; however, a glimmer of hope continues to shine through the challenges faced by growers. Over the years, the industry has been battered by climatic adversities and diseases, yet resilience thrives in the hearts of many who are dedicated to reviving this vital sector of Florida’s economy. As News-Press points out, despite a long history of setbacks, including the devastating freezes of the 1980s, optimism remains alive among the growers.

The peculiar freeze on Christmas Day in 1983 left a frosty imprint, dropping grove property values dramatically from $2,035 per acre to $620 overnight. Such fluctuations led to a troubling decline in production, where citrus output fell from 230 million boxes in 1980 to 151 million boxes by 1990—a staggering drop of 34%. On a brighter note, 1998 saw production bounce back to an impressive 301 million boxes, showcasing the industry’s capacity to rebound. However, this would not be the last challenge, as epidemics of citrus canker and, more recently, citrus greening have marred the landscape of Florida’s citrus fields.

The Latest Challenges

The situation has not improved significantly. A December report by Florida TaxWatch detailed the ongoing decline, revealing a shocking decrease of over 90% in total citrus production over the past two decades—from approximately 300 million boxes in the 2003–04 season to a mere 20 million in 2023–24. The report emphasized that the 2022–23 season was the worst for the industry in nearly a century.

Citrus greening disease, also known as Huanglongbing (HLB), has been at the center of these troubles since its identification in 2005. As Citrus Industry notes, this disease significantly affects the vascular system of citrus trees, limiting nutrients and driving production costs higher. It’s a grim reality where many growers feel the pinch; rising production costs and challenging growing conditions are pushing some out of business, forcing them to sell their lands to developers.

The impact of natural disasters has also been a heavy weight on Florida’s citrus shoulders. Hurricanes have repeatedly devastated crops, with notable losses of $490 million from Hurricane Irma in 2017 and further blows from Hurricane Ian and the earlier one-two punch of Helene and Milton in 2024. As if that wasn’t enough, the frequency of freezes throughout Florida’s history has consistently pushed many groves to the brink of closure.

Finding a Way Forward

Yet, as we celebrate the resilience of this community, interviews conducted with citrus growers reveal that 34 out of 36 remain hopeful about the industry’s future. Quentin Roe, president of W.G. Roe & Sons, expressed pride in the resilience of his company. John Barben highlighted breakthrough treatments for citrus greening, instilling a sense of optimism amid tribulation.

Florida is still the largest orange-producing state in the U.S. and the third largest globally— trailing only Brazil and China. As reported by the University of Florida, about 95% of Florida’s oranges are processed for juice, maintaining demand in the marketplace despite the declining production rates.

Promising efforts are underway, with researchers exploring innovative solutions like Individual Protective Screens (IPCs) for nursery trees and trunk injections with oxytetracycline hydrochloride (OTC). Additionally, advanced CRISPR technology is being applied to develop disease-resistant trees, though the wait for tangible results continues.

As Florida’s citrus industry stands at a crossroads, one cannot overlook the unwavering determination of its people. Despite the manifold challenges, their passion for producing quality citrus echoes the sentiment: where there is a will, there is a way. “There’s something to be said for the resilience of Florida’s growers,” and as they continue shaping the future of citrus, we will be right beside them, cheering them on.