The Fight for Florida’s Citrus: Can Oranges Survive a Future of Disease and Disasters?
Florida, known for its sunshine and beaches, is also synonymous with citrus. From the iconic orange groves dotting the landscape to the ubiquitous orange juice that fuels mornings across the country, this zesty fruit has been a cornerstone of the state’s identity for generations. But in recent years, Florida’s citrus industry has been grappling with a perfect storm of challenges, leaving its future uncertain.
Citrus greening, a devastating disease spread by insects, has ravaged Florida’s groves since its emergence in 2005. It disrupts a tree’s ability to produce fruit, eventually killing it. This, coupled with a series of hurricanes, floods, and droughts, fueled by climate change, has pushed the industry to its limits.
The Numbers Don’t Lie:
- Florida, once accounting for almost three-quarters of the nation’s orange production, now produces just 17%.
- The 2022-2023 growing season yielded a meager 18.1 million boxes of oranges, grapefruit, and other citrus fruits, the smallest harvest in almost a century.
- This represents a 60% decrease from the previous year, with the ongoing ramifications of citrus greening and the unpredictability of extreme weather impacting yields.
- These production declines, coupled with floods negatively affecting harvests in Brazil, the world’s largest orange juice exporter, have driven the price of orange juice to record highs, leaving consumers feeling the squeeze.
A Legacy Under Threat:
Florida’s citrus industry, once a pillar of the state’s economy, bringing in nearly $7 billion annually, is facing an existential threat. The state that was once a world leader in citrus production is now fighting to survive.
"We’re still here, but it’s not a good situation. We’re here, but that’s about it," says Jay Clark, an 80-year-old third-generation grower in Wauchula. "It’s bigger than just our family as citrus growers. If a solution isn’t found, there will be no citrus industry."
The Fight Against Citrus Greening:
The citrus industry is desperately seeking solutions to citrus greening. Scientists are working tirelessly to develop resistant varieties and find ways to mitigate the effects of the disease.
"We have so many meetings, visits with growers every month, and there are so many researchers working to develop resistant varieties," says Amir Rezazadeh, a liaison between scientists and citrus growers. "It’s just really making these citrus growers nervous. [Everyone] is waiting for the new research results."
One promising avenue is using antibiotics like oxytetracycline to lessen the effects of greening. However, these treatments are only temporary, needing regular applications and posing potential environmental concerns.
"We need more time," Rezazadeh emphasizes. "There are some hopes that we keep [the trees] alive until we find a cure."
The Climate Change Conundrum:
Meanwhile, climate change is exacerbating the challenges. Increased temperatures, insufficient rainfall, and record-setting dry seasons are impacting soil moisture, disrupting tree growth, and making trees more vulnerable to disease and extreme weather.
"We all of a sudden had a little bit of a run of bad luck. We had a hurricane. Then after the hurricane, we had a freeze," says Ray Royce, executive director of Highlands County Citrus Growers Association. "Now we’ve just gone through a drought which will no doubt negatively impact the crop for next year. And so we, in a way, need to catch a couple of good breaks and have a few good years."
But climate change predictions paint a grim picture, forecasting more frequent and intense storms, warmer temperatures, and intensified disease pressures. This means a future of consistent challenges for Florida’s citrus growers.
A Race Against Time:
Despite the dire situation, there’s a glimmer of hope. Research continues, fueled by significant funding from both the state and federal government.
"We don’t have the solution yet," says Tim Widmer, a plant pathologist. "But there are things that look very, very promising."
Scientists are exploring various solutions, including new automated systems that deliver antimicrobial peptides directly to infected trees. Others are focused on breeding new citrus varieties with greater resistance to greening.
However, time is of the essence. "It takes anywhere from 8 to 10 to 12 years to develop a long-term solution," says Widmer.
A Fight for Survival:
While the industry waits for a breakthrough, many family-owned citrus operations are being forced to close. Sun Groves, a family-run business in Oldsmar, closed its doors after almost a century in operation.
"We definitely suffered from freezes, hurricanes… and tried for as long as we could to stay in business in spite of all the challenges," says Michelle Urbanski, Sun Groves’ former general manager. "When Hurricane Ian struck, that was really the final blow where we knew we had to close the business."
The story of Sun Groves reflects the dire straits of many citrus growers in Florida. Their livelihoods, their heritage, and a treasured part of the state’s identity are hanging in the balance.
Florida’s citrus industry stands at a crossroads. Can it find the solutions needed to overcome the challenges posed by disease, climate change, and extreme weather? The answers lie in continued research, innovation, and a willingness to adapt. The fight for the future of Florida oranges is a fight for survival, a fight for a legacy, and a fight for the heart of the Sunshine State.
