The U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service (USDA ERS) has documented a 92% reduction in Florida's orange production since the 2003–04 season, attributed to a combination of natural disasters and diseases. This decline has not only impacted the availability of fresh local oranges from roadside stands and backyard trees but also reflects broader concerns.
The decrease in production is linked to factors including anti-science politics, climate change, unchecked growth, and the pursuit of quick profits. These elements are contributing to a shift in Florida's identity, moving away from its unique characteristics towards a landscape dominated by generic development. This situation has led to the importation of oranges from California, further diminishing the state's once-renowned citrus industry.
Source: flying penguin