Florida's citrus industry struggles amid ongoing disease, disaster
By Sommer Brugal
Published on March 26, 2026.
Florida's orange crop has dropped by 95% in 30 years, largely due to ongoing disease, drought, and other issues, forcing citrus farmers to change their methods of growing and selling the fruit. The industry has been dealing with citrus greening disease, which causes fruit to turn green and taste less sweet than its bright orange counterparts. To combat this disease, farmers have invested in antibiotics for trees and screen houses, which cost upwards of $40,000 per acre. This year's cold weather spell cost nearly $700 million and recent hurricanes have also significantly impacted the industry. Some farmers are concerned about the loss of knowledge that comes with a shrinking industry.
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