Florida's citrus industry has experienced a decline of nearly two-thirds of its planted area since 2004. The state's citrus acreage has contracted from more than 748,555 acres (302,925 hectares) in 2004 to fewer than 275,000 acres (111,290 hectares) in 2024, a loss of over 470,000 acres (190,200 hectares). The decline has been driven by citrus greening, hurricanes, and urban expansion.
In the 2023/24 season, acreage fell 17 per cent in a single year, reaching 274,705 acres (111,170 hectares). All citrus varieties have been affected, with consequences for supply chains, processors, and rural communities. Reduced production has pushed up consumer prices while imports from Brazil and Mexico have expanded to fill the gap.
Replanting and recovery measures
Florida has committed nearly US$140 million to recovery, including US$104.5 million for research, field trials, and replanting through the Citrus Research and Field Trial programs and the Citrus Research and Development Foundation. New varieties bred to withstand citrus greening were approved by the Florida Citrus Commission in October 2024 and are now moving from trial plots to groves under the Program for Expedited Propagation.
The initiative is expected to plant 4.5 million orange trees across roughly 25,625 acres (10,370 hectares) over the next three years. State funds will cover about US$4,176 per acre (US$10,320 per hectare) of planting costs. Commercial yields are anticipated within five years, with full productivity in 10 years.
Estimates suggest new plantings could produce more than 7 million additional boxes annually once mature, generating US$225 million in net grower income over two decades. Projections focus primarily on oranges and do not include potential contributions from grapefruit and specialty citrus.
Shift in strategy
The focus on collective replanting marks a shift from defensive measures aimed at slowing losses to an offensive strategy to expand production. Florida growers are investing alongside the state, covering the costs of land, care, and the time required for trees to reach maturity.
Processors and packinghouses are expected to adapt to higher volumes in the future. Policymakers acknowledge that rebuilding the industry will take time but stress the economic contribution of citrus to rural communities and the state's export position.
The loss of 2 out of every 3 acres over the past two decades remains the industry's core challenge. Replanting initiatives aim to keep land in citrus production and align future supply with market demand.
Source: Citrus Industry