world-economy

Florida Citrus Growers Face Existential Crisis as Disease and Weather Ravage Industry

Florida's citrus sector is collapsing under pressure from disease, climate disasters and development pressures. Multi-generational growers are fighting for survival. A Volusia County operation that traces its roots to the late 1800s exemplifies the industry's decline. Fruit loader trucks equipped with cranes designed to lift 900-pound crates sat idle since 2021, with vegetation now growing around the abandoned equipment. Three decades ago, Florida harvested 225 million boxes of oranges annually, a figure that has declined sharply. Growers are scrambling to adapt as oranges and grapefruit — commodities that once defined the state's agricultural identity — face mounting threats. The combination of disease pressure, extreme weather events and competing land uses has pushed many family operations to the brink of closure.