Florida Citrus Industry Confronts Severe Drought
BARTOW, Fla. – The state of Florida is grappling with its most severe drought in 25 years, which is intensifying the challenges for the citrus sector, already battered by disease, hurricanes, and increasing costs.
The U.S. Drought Monitor indicates that every part of the state is experiencing some level of drought, with over 75% classified as facing extreme conditions. This situation is imposing additional financial strains on farmers who heavily depend on irrigation to keep their crops alive.
Florida is responsible for around 17% of the country’s citrus production, as noted by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. This industry plays a crucial role in the economy of various local communities.
“We have multiple businesses within the county and across the state, and it’s definitely a lifeline for many Floridians,” shared Jennifer Schaal, vice president of finance for the Dundee Citrus Growers Association. “That’s what they rely on.”
However, nature hasn’t been very dependable for farmers in Florida.
Back in 2000, the state’s citrus groves spanned over 800,000 acres, but that number has dwindled to just above 200,000 acres, a decline attributed to long-standing diseases and storm damage, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
“The ongoing battle has been citrus greening disease,” mentioned Stephen Callaham, executive vice president and CEO of the Dundee Citrus Growers Association. “And we’ve certainly faced a series of hurricanes as well.”
The recent freeze and ongoing drought are compounding these existing challenges.
“Irrigation requires pumps that run on diesel or electricity, which can be quite costly,” Callaham explained.
The Dundee Citrus Growers Association, one of the state’s largest fresh fruit cooperatives, manages citrus from over 10,000 acres.
“This past year has been incredibly challenging,” added Bill Bode, the director of agronomy for Dundee Citrus. “Water is crucial during flowering; it directly affects fruit size and yield.”
As citrus acreage continues to diminish, the cooperative has implemented a method they call CUPS (Citrus Under Protective Screens) to tackle nature’s difficulties.
The orange trees are placed beneath 10-acre white tent structures, designed initially to ward off diseases. These setups also help growers maintain soil moisture during these challenging drought conditions.
“Water is distributed through a network of pipes into a black tubing system, with each tree equipped with small emitters that release water as needed,” Bode described. This system allows for precise irrigation, fostering a controlled environment supportive of fruit production, even amid prolonged dry spells.
“This 10-acre pod can yield between 8,000 to 10,000 boxes,” stated Callaham. “Trees in these structures thrive. They grow and produce faster than those in traditional groves. This approach is essential for getting the industry back on its feet.”
USDA production statistics reveal varied outcomes in the citrus sector. Florida’s lemon production rose by 4% compared to the previous year. However, production for tangerines and tangelos remained stable, grapefruit output dropped by 8%, and orange production, aside from Valencia oranges, decreased by 2%.
“If I weren’t optimistic, I wouldn’t be in the citrus business,” Callaham expressed. “I genuinely believe there are encouraging signs for us right now. The challenges we are facing are temporary, and we will come out stronger.”
