Florida Grower Goes To War

In 1942, America was at war. But World War II in 1942 was not as it is in 2007. Today, some see the war on our TV, then turn it off and go about their business. Not so in 1942, as nearly every person or family had some direct connection to the battles raging overseas. WWII brought new challenges, difficulties, as well as new prosperity to the Florida citrus and vegetable industries.

Lack Of Materials

During the war, there were shipping problems as the government rationed fuel, parts, and rubber (tires). Water and rail transportation were requisitioned for government and military use. Materials also were in short supply due to an embargo that stopped shipment of fertilizers and chemicals from Germany and occupied territories. The government became the major purchaser. The increased demands for food created a stable market with stable prices.

In September 1942, Florida Grower reported that the 1940-1941 season increased production by 6 million boxes of grapefruit and 10 million boxes of oranges. The Florida grove owner who set his sights on supplying citrus to America, while also supporting the war effort, is depicted on the cover of Florida Grower magazine in October 1942. The war was even reflected in the advertisers who used it as a means to promote their products.

More Weapons, More Nutrition

Not only was the country conscious of materials needed to support the war effort, there was ever-growing consciousness for nutritional health. To quote Florida Grower, September 1942: “Food, and its meaning to health and national welfare, has gained more public attention in the last twelve months than in any previous decade of our history. A nation awakened to the need of more guns, more ships, more planes, more tanks, has likewise become aware of the great need of more vitamins, more minerals, more nutritional diet.” Along with the perfection of the frozen juice concentrate process and canning procedures, the citrus industry flourished during wartime.

Low On Labor

Due to the major conscription programs, labor shortages became a major hurdle. Every available man, woman, and child was needed to support the war ffort. Women working the homefront was a constant reminder in 1942 Florida Grower issues. The cover of the January issue shows a woman in the packinghouse, and another article shows how International Harvester taught women to drive tractors. Labor was in such demand that, with the cooperation and authority of the federal government, businesses employed German prisoners of war in the groves and in the plants. The federal government sponsored ‘temporary’ immigration of thousands of workers from Jamaica, Haiti, Mexico, and the Bahamas. This would later lead to the H-2A program for “guestworkers” that has lingering effects today.