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Florida Oranges Vanish: Harvest Smallest Since 1930
16 Feb
Summary
- Florida's orange harvest is the smallest since 1930.
- Citrus greening disease and hurricanes devastate orange trees.
- Efforts include juice sugar reduction and GM trees.
Florida is facing its smallest orange harvest since 1930, with an estimated output of 12 million boxes this season. This decline is largely attributed to citrus greening disease, an incurable bacterial infection that kills tree roots and stunts fruit growth, rendering oranges bitter and unsellable. Rapid urban development and severe hurricanes, including Ian, Nicole, and Milton since 2022, have further destroyed numerous groves.
Farmers are experiencing significant financial strain, with many being forced out of business. They cite frustration over the lack of research breakthroughs for citrus greening and damage from increasingly frequent and severe weather events, exacerbated by rising global temperatures. While some treatments have aided tree recovery, they haven't restored yields to previous levels.
In response, Florida lawmakers are considering legislation to reduce the minimum sugar content requirements for orange juice. Scientists are also experimenting with genetically modified orange trees designed to resist citrus greening, a potential breakthrough for the industry's survival. The USDA anticipates a high orange output from California this year, which may help stabilize consumer prices.
