In this week’s video, Sunshine State Insider explores the rise, peak, and dramatic decline of Florida’s citrus industry. Florida Citrus was once one of the most important agricultural industries in the state. From historic freezes and explosive development, to devastating plant diseases like citrus greening, Florida’s oranges didn’t disappear overnight. They were squeezed from every direction. Watch the video to learn more about the challenges the Florida Citrus Industry has faced.
Editors note: What the video does not share, however, is the extensive investment in research that has gone in to overcoming greening, so there is still hope of a return, but the industry infrastructure lost will require significant investment to replace. Also, the juice and drink market is so competitive now that future investment may not be as focused on the juice market. There have been some significant research breakthroughs with greening tolerant varieties and management. The 2025-26 Citrus Production Guide highlights some of the Greening Management strategies that have been developed to this point.
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