Hurricane Milton's Fury: Mixed Fortunes for Florida's Citrus Growers

Fort Pierce, Florida, USA - As Florida’s citrus growers wrap up the 2024-2025 season, mixed results are emerging against a challenging backdrop. The recent USDA forecast in June revealed a modest increase in orange production, now pegged at 12 million boxes, while grapefruit production remains steady at 1.3 million boxes. This, however, is overshadowed by the lasting effects of Hurricane Milton, a Category 3 storm that wreaked havoc on Florida’s fertile lands, particularly impacting productive citrus acreage across the state, as reported by Central Florida Ag News.

Kyle Story, Vice President of the Story Companies, shared insights into how the storm’s aftermath is far from over. The damage has resulted in a complicated recovery process that will take years. Trees have been struggling, losing limbs and foliage, and making them susceptible to greening. Despite these setbacks, there is a glimmer of hope among growers as many reported superior fruit quality and the success of innovative growing practices like Citrus Under Protective Screen (CUPS).

Storm Impact and Recovery

It’s no secret that the citrus industry has been battered not just by Milton but also by the one-two punch of back-to-back hurricanes and the notorious citrus greening disease. The situation is dire, with approximately 70% of Florida’s most productive citrus acreage affected, according to a report from Fox 13 News.

The ramifications of Hurricane Milton extend beyond immediate crop losses to encompass long-term concerns regarding fruit yield and tree health. Doug Bournique, Executive Vice President of the Indian River Citrus League, noted the mixed fortunes in regions like Fort Pierce, where many growers narrowly escaped the worst but still experienced disruption because of excessive rainfall and related challenges. Although recovery is underway, it remains a slow journey, especially in the face of enduring issues such as Huanglongbing (HLB) disease.

Future Outlook

Renewed growth and improved conditions are being observed as growers inch back toward normalcy. Chris Oswalt, a UF/IFAS Extension agent, is optimistic, yet cautious about the lingering impacts on tree health. The upcoming season, which will be further detailed in the final forecast scheduled for July 11, may still harbor potential for recovery.

To support their community, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed the 2025-2026 state budget, which includes crucial funding for the citrus industry. Among other provisions, the budget extends the Abandoned Grove Initiative, providing landowners the chance to retain property tax benefits when addressing dying groves. The citrus sector, contributing significantly to Florida’s economy and the local landscape, is fighting back, albeit with challenges on the horizon.

As we look ahead, the resilience of Florida’s citrus growers is clear. With the right support and continued optimism, there’s hope that the sweet shades of orange will prevail against the trials laid out by nature and disease.