Florida’s citrus industry is bracing for a historic low in production, with recent damage from Hurricane Milton exacerbating an already challenging season. According to an updated forecast from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), orange production is projected to drop to just 12 million 90-pound boxes for the current growing season. This figure is 3 million fewer boxes than estimates before Hurricane Milton struck and significantly lower than the 17.96 million boxes produced during the 2023-2024 season, which ended in July.
The impact of Hurricane Milton has been devastating for growers, who were already contending with longstanding challenges such as citrus greening disease, labor shortages, and fluctuating market demands. The hurricane’s strong winds and flooding caused widespread damage to orchards, uprooting trees, and destroying crops across Florida’s citrus belt. Industry experts describe the storm as one of the most destructive to hit the region in recent years.
Florida’s citrus industry, a cornerstone of the state’s agricultural economy, has faced years of decline due to a combination of natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and competition from international markets. This latest setback underscores the vulnerabilities that growers face, as well as the need for robust disaster relief and long-term solutions to ensure the industry’s survival.
State and federal officials are working to provide financial aid to affected farmers, including emergency grants and low-interest loans. However, many growers fear that the continued decline in production could lead to permanent changes in the industry, with some smaller operations struggling to recover.
Consumers are also likely to feel the effects of the reduced citrus output, with potential price increases for orange juice and other citrus products. Florida supplies a significant portion of the nation’s oranges, and the drop in production is expected to strain supplies across the country.
The USDA’s report has prompted renewed calls for investment in research and technology to combat citrus greening disease and improve the resilience of Florida’s orchards. Advocates argue that without such measures, the industry will remain vulnerable to both environmental and economic pressures.
As Florida’s citrus growers face one of the most challenging seasons in history, the state’s agricultural community is calling for increased support and innovative solutions to protect a legacy crop that has been synonymous with Florida for generations.
