Citrus prices in Jamaica have surged due to a global shortage exacerbated by disease and climate events. A 90-pound box of oranges now costs about $15,000, a stark increase from $800 before the citrus greening disease impacted local stocks. The demand for citrus seedlings is high as small plot cultivation gains interest, supported by a government-backed revitalization program in Manchester.
Alfred Bennett, from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, highlighted that Jamaican citrus prices are among the highest globally, with local prices nearing US$100 per box compared to US$30 to US$40 elsewhere. Despite potential earnings of $2 million per acre, the pervasive greening disease complicates production.
Citrus greening, spread by the Asian citrus psyllid, affects all citrus varieties and has severely impacted production in regions like the US, Brazil, Asia, and Jamaica. Jamaican production has fallen from five million boxes annually to about 1.1 million. Trade Winds Citrus Limited, the largest producer, has seen a decline from 650,000 boxes in 2008 to 100,000 currently.
Bennett recommends a three-pronged approach to managing the disease: chemical control, biological control using parasitic wasps, and robust nutrition programs. Importation of orange juice concentrate from Belize faces challenges as Belize grapples with its own production issues.
Peter McConnell of Trade Winds notes the complexities in managing citrus groves due to greening. The company has invested in replanting with irrigation since 2017, though costs and risks remain high. Jamaica's citrus production is concentrated in St Catherine, Clarendon, Manchester, and St Mary.
Agriculture Minister Floyd Green announced the distribution of over 4,000 citrus plants in Manchester and plans for a lime program over the next five years.
Source: The Gleaner