"In 2003, the mighty Florida orange industry produced 242 million boxes of fruit, but now the USDA forecasts only 12 million boxes, the least in more than 100 years."
"Matt Joyner, CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual, expressed doubt about the USDA's forecast, suggesting that even 11 million boxes might be out of reach."
"Rick Dantzler, COO of the Citrus Research and Development Foundation, bluntly stated, 'It's been a dumpster fire of a year,' highlighting the industry's dire situation."
"The immediate problems include tariffs, a government shutdown, and a historic freeze that besieged the fragile orange trees, but these are just footnotes to larger issues."
Florida's citrus industry is experiencing its worst drought in 25 years, compounded by a significant decline in orange production, forecasted at only 12 million boxes, the lowest in over a century. The industry has faced numerous challenges, including tariffs, a government shutdown, and a historic freeze that damaged orange trees. Industry leaders express skepticism about production estimates, with some suggesting actual figures may be even lower. The mood at the Florida Citrus Show reflects a sense of despair among growers, who are grappling with a postapocalyptic reality.
Read at Slate Magazine
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