Trevor Murphy navigates through his father’s sprawling 20-acre grove in Lake Wales, Florida, as he observes the uniformity of nearby one-story homes slowly encroaching upon the vibrant orange trees.
“Eventually, this won’t remain an orange grove,” remarks Murphy, a grower with familial roots in the industry stretching back three generations. The surrounding sea of houses portends inevitable change.
Located in Polk County, home to the largest expanse of citrus farmland in Florida, Lake Wales finds itself amidst rapid urbanization. In 2023, more people migrated to Polk County than any other in the United States.
Challenges like population growth, hurricanes, and a relentless citrus greening disease have left the state’s iconic orange sector in disarray. As Americans consume less orange juice, the citrus industry faces shrinkage, and major players like Tropicana are struggling. Florida’s coveted orange groves are increasingly giving way to residential developments as the state’s population surges.
Many legacy growers are confronted with the tough decision to sell land long-held by their families to developers. Others, like Murphy, persevere, awaiting solutions to combat disease-ridden trees.
The citrus industry, on the defensive front, suffered severely from Hurricane Irma’s impact on the state’s orange-growing region in 2017. Already declining due to citrus greening over two decades, the industry endured subsequent major storms and a harsh freeze in 2022, exacerbating the crisis. Recuperating trees can take years after storm damage, noting a 90% decrease in production.
Where once citrus groves spanned over 832,000 acres at the century’s start, figures dropped sharply to about 275,000 acres last year. Meanwhile, California has risen as America’s leading citrus producer.
Matt Joyner, CEO of the Florida Citrus Mutual trade group, addressed state legislators, emphasizing that the industry is vital to Florida’s identity.
Nonetheless, Alico Inc., a major player in Florida agriculture, revealed plans to cease citrus operations across more than 53,000 acres, citing a drastic production drop over ten years. Such pullbacks impact Tropicana and other processors, forcing them to cut capacity. Following a minor rise during the COVID-19 pandemic, orange juice consumption has generally declined over the last 20 years.
Difficulties extend beyond cultivation. Last year, the Gulf Citrus Growers Association disbanded. Meanwhile, the state’s booming real estate sector places further strains on citrus farming, as Florida’s population grew by over 467,000 in the past year. This growth demands increased housing, translating into prominent citrus families selling groves for high profits, reaching upwards of $25,000 per acre.
Despite challenges, Murphy maintains several hundred acres of groves, even as he shuttered a citrus caretaking operation that serviced thousands of acres. However, with a real estate license, Murphy is well-positioned amid changing land ownership landscapes. Recently, he sold Polk County acreage to a developer, using proceeds to become debt-free and invest in repopulating productive groves.
“I hope we’re at the turning point, climbing back to better days,” Murphy remarks.
A multitude of Florida businesses reliant on citrus face uncertainties if production falters, impacting over 33,000 jobs and generating a $6.8 billion economic effect. From juice makers and grove caretakers to commodity suppliers, the ripple effect is extensive.
Tom Davidson, whose family established the Davidson of Dundee Citrus Candy and Jelly Factory in 1966, notes the impact of decreased citrus supplies on product offerings and pricing.
“We’re counting on science to solve this, allowing us to return to our roots,” Davidson shares.
Research efforts focus on engineering a citrus tree capable of killing insects transmitting greening disease. Technology involves genetic modifications that produce a lethal protein against Asian citrus psyllids, according to Lukasz Stelinski at the University of Florida’s Citrus Research and Education Center. Nevertheless, deploying bug-resistant trees may take at least three years.
Until then, Florida’s growers explore alternatives like screen-shielded plantings, bagging young trees, antibiotic applications, and utilizing naturally resistant trees.
“It’s like being a Lions fan anticipating victory after a long drought,” Stelinski analogizes optimistically.