Challenges Facing Florida’s Citrus Industry Amidst Rapid Development
As the sun rises over the vast orange groves of Lake Wales, Florida, the encroachment of residential developments is becoming an undeniable reality for local growers. Trevor Murphy, a third-generation citrus farmer, reflects on this shifting landscape, stating, “At some point, this isn’t going to be an orange grove anymore.” His concern echoes a growing sentiment among many in Polk County, which currently boasts the largest citrus acreage in Florida.
Population Growth and Its Impact
Polk County is witnessing unprecedented population increases, with more people relocating there than any other county in the U.S. in 2023. With the local population swelling, the demand for housing is transforming the area, leading to the sale of family-owned groves traditionally supporting the state’s citrus industry. While some growers choose to sell their land to developers, others like Murphy remain resilient, hoping for technological advancements to combat challenges faced by their crops.
Industry Struggles: Disease and Natural Disasters
The Florida citrus industry is grappling with multiple adversities, including hurricanes and a severe disease known as citrus greening. This disease, alongside extreme weather events like Hurricane Irma in 2017 and subsequent storms, significantly diminished orange production. Over the last two decades, citrus production plummeted by 90%, with fewer than 275,000 acres of groves now remaining compared to over 832,000 acres at the turn of the century. Additionally, California has overtaken Florida as the top citrus producer in the United States.
Matt Joyner, CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual, emphasizes the importance of the citrus industry, stating, “Losing the citrus industry is not an option. This industry is … so ingrained in Florida. Citrus is synonymous with Florida.” Despite such sentiments, challenges persist, with large growers like Alico Inc. announcing plans to significantly reduce their citrus operations due to declining production.
The Real Estate Boom
The expansion of Florida’s real estate sector is putting further pressure on citrus farming. In 2022, the state’s population surged by over 467,000, necessitating the construction of new homes. This rapid urban development has prompted many citrus families to place their groves on the market, often fetching prices as high as $25,000 per acre. Although Murphy remains committed to farming, he has adapted to the changing landscape, selling portions of his land to fund necessary investments in more productive groves.
The Future of Citrus: Research and Development
The fate of Florida’s citrus industry hangs in the balance, as the interconnected ecosystem of jobs it supports—estimated at 33,000 positions and an economic impact of $6.8 billion—is threatened. From growers to juice processors and fertilizer suppliers, many are eagerly awaiting advancements in agricultural science. A team of researchers has been working on genetically modified citrus trees designed to combat the pest responsible for citrus greening, projecting that viable bug-resistant trees may become available for planting within the next three years.
Meanwhile, growers are exploring alternative measures, such as protective screening and antibiotic injections, to safeguard existing trees. Tom Davidson, whose family has been in the citrus candy business since 1966, notes that the availability and flavor of their products have been impacted by the declining citrus supply, expressing hope for scientific breakthroughs.
Conclusion
Florida’s citrus industry stands at a critical juncture as it faces the dual challenges of urban encroachment and agricultural decline. The resilience of growers like Trevor Murphy speaks to a robust commitment to preserving this vital piece of Florida’s identity, while ongoing research may provide a glimmer of hope for recovery. As the complexities surrounding these groves unfold, the future will depend on a blend of innovation, adaptation, and support from the community.
