Florida’s Citrus Outlook Remains Bleak. But New Science Offers Hope.
January 31, 2025 | 1 min to read
Florida's orange industry has plummeted, with a staggering 90% decline in yield over the past three decades and grove land halving in the last decade. Facing severe climate challenges and diseased trees, growers are anticipating another record-low harvest, producing 90% fewer oranges than thirty years ago, as indicated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This crisis follows the closure of a major labor group representing growers due to financial difficulties.
The state’s orange yield has declined by 90% in the last three decades. In the last 10 years, grove land has halved.
Florida orange growers are bracing for yet another record-low harvest as climate challenges and diseased trees continue to cripple the once bustling industry.
The state is expected to produce 90% fewer oranges than it did 30 years ago, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s January forecast.
It’s the latest in a series of hits to Florida’s signature crop. Last year, a major labor group representing growers shut down due to financial constraints.
To read the rest of the story, please go to: Tampa Bay Times.