Spotlight on Citrus: Hope Grows in Revitalizing Florida’s Signature Crop

Being a Florida citrus grower in today’s world is not for the faint of heart. Challenges have been unrelenting in recent years. So, when something positive occurs, the industry galvanizes to speak up and take action. There are two recent developments to give Florida citrus growers something to feel good about. The first is the latest crop estimate from USDA. The other is proposed legislation in the Florida Senate to help save the industry.

USDA’s all-Florida oranges estimate was just revised to 11.63 million boxes, an increase of 30,000 boxes over last month’s forecast. While the increase is modest, it is a win. The majority of this season has featured orange crop forecasts with production levels last seen during the World War II era.

In response to the latest citrus crop estimate, Matt Joyner, Executive VP and CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual, released a statement: “Every day, I hear from Florida citrus growers who are seeing healthier trees thanks to the tools they’re using to fight citrus greening and recover from hurricanes. This month’s upward momentum reflects growers’ relentless efforts to bring a crop to market and preserve family-run operations that have sustained the industry for generations.”

Joyner goes on to also recognize work that’s being done on behalf of the citrus industry in the Florida Legislature. In late March, Florida Senate President Ben Albritton announced a proposal to allocate $200 million for the Florida citrus industry in the 2025-2026 state fiscal budget. This includes $190 million proposed for field trials to support grove management, therapeutic tools, new plantings, and the rehabilitation of existing trees.

From the $190 million, a minimum of $125 million would support the acquisition and planting of trees. Additionally, the proposal includes $10 million for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to provide 80% cost-share funding to citrus packinghouses for equipment refurbishment, the adoption of new technology, or the purchase of new equipment.

“Thanks to Senate President Albritton’s bold vision to make citrus great again and the prospect of unprecedented funding from the Legislature to advance research and replanting efforts, there’s hope for revitalizing Florida’s signature crop,” Joyner adds.

The Florida Senate and House have proposed differing budget allocations for the state’s citrus industry. The two chambers are negotiating to approve a budget for the 2025-2026 state fiscal year, which will take effect on July 1. Stay tuned for the outcome.

Defending Florida OJ

Last month, U.S. Senator Ashley Moody announced the introduction of the Defending Domestic Orange Juice Production Act in the Senate. This legislation proposes adjusting the standard identity of orange juice from 10.5% weight of soluble solids to 10% to strengthen the domestic supply of Florida’s orange juice without affecting its quality, taste, or nutrition.

The Act’s passage could deliver significant benefits to the industry, offering greater flexibility to utilize domestic product and reducing reliance on foreign imports.

This legislation is sponsored by Senators Moody and Rick Scott, as well as Congressman Scott Franklin and Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz.

There’s more to come as the legislative process plays out.

The next Florida citrus crop estimate from USDA is scheduled for June 12.