Trevor Murphy, a third-generation grower, observes the encroachment of residential developments on his family's 8-hectare grove in Lake Wales, Florida. "At some point, this isn't going to be an orange grove anymore," he states, highlighting the transformation in Polk County, which leads Florida in citrus acreage. In 2023, Polk County experienced the highest influx of new residents in the United States.
Florida's citrus sector, historically challenged by hurricanes and citrus greening disease, confronts further pressure as growers consider selling long-held groves to developers. Murphy remains committed, anticipating advancements in disease-resistant trees or alternative treatments.
Trevor Murphy, a third-generation grower, observes the encroachment of residential developments on his family's 8-hectare (20-acre) grove in Lake Wales, Florida. "At some point, this isn't going to be an orange grove anymore," he states, highlighting the transformation in Polk County, which leads Florida in citrus acreage. In 2023, Polk County experienced the highest influx of new residents in the United States.
Florida's citrus sector, historically challenged by hurricanes and citrus greening disease, confronts further pressure as growers consider selling long-held groves to developers. Murphy remains committed, anticipating advancements in disease-resistant trees or alternative treatments.
The impact of Hurricane Irma in 2017, followed by subsequent freezes and hurricanes, has exacerbated the decline in Florida's orange production by 90% over two decades. Citrus acreage has decreased from over 337,000 hectares (832,000 acres) at the start of the century to around 111,000 hectares (275,000 acres), with California now leading in citrus production.
Matt Joyner, CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual, emphasized to lawmakers, "Losing the citrus industry is not an option. This industry is ... so ingrained in Florida. Citrus is synonymous with Florida." Despite this, Alico Inc., a major grower, announced plans to cease citrus operations on over 21,400 hectares (53,000 acres) due to a significant production drop. This decision affects processors like Tropicana, who rely on Alico's produce.
Real estate pressures intensified as Florida's population reached 23 million last year, necessitating new housing developments. Multi-generational citrus families are selling groves at high prices, with some land fetching up to $61,800 per hectare ($25,000 per acre).
Murphy, owning several hundred hectares, has no intention to exit the industry but has diversified by obtaining a real estate license. He recently sold land in Polk County to developers, using proceeds to clear debts and plan for replanting.
The citrus ecosystem, supporting 33,000 jobs and a $6.8 billion economic impact, faces uncertainty. Businesses like Davidson of Dundee Citrus Candy and Jelly Factory are affected by reduced citrus availability. "We're really hoping that the scientists can get this figured out so we can get back to what we did," says Tom Davidson.
Research efforts focus on genetically modifying trees to combat citrus greening. Entomology professor Lukasz Stelinski describes a method involving a gene that produces a protein lethal to Asian citrus psyllids. However, bug-resistant trees may take three years to become viable, prompting growers to explore other protective measures.
Source: AP News