Florida’s citrus industry, already reeling from citrus greening disease and the impact of previous hurricanes, has been dealt another severe blow by Hurricane Milton. A new federal report projected a 16.8% decline in citrus production for the 2024-2025 season even before Milton struck, and the storm’s damage is expected to further worsen the situation.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s initial forecast, based on surveys conducted in mid-September, predicted the lowest citrus harvest in nearly a century.
Orange production was projected at 15 million boxes, down from 17.96 million boxes in the previous season. Grapefruit and specialty fruit production were also expected to decline significantly.
READ: UF/IFAS Needs Your Help To Assess Hurricane Milton’s Impact On Florida Agriculture
Milton Compounds Existing Challenges
Hurricane Milton, which made landfall in Sarasota County on Wednesday night, caused widespread damage to citrus groves across the state. The storm’s strong winds knocked fruit off trees and likely damaged young trees planted after Hurricane Ian in 2022.
Industry Leaders Express Concern
Matt Joyner, CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual, called the pre-Milton forecast “extremely discouraging” and emphasized the cumulative impact of citrus greening, Hurricane Ian in 2022, Hurricane Irma in 2017, and now Hurricane Milton. He stressed the need for state and federal support to help growers recover.
Assessing the Full Extent of the Damage
The full impact of Hurricane Milton on citrus production won’t be known for several weeks. Fruit drop is expected to continue, and growers are still assessing damage to their groves. The USDA will update its forecast in December to reflect the storm’s impact.
A Resilient but Weary Industry
Despite facing numerous challenges, Florida citrus growers remain resilient. However, the repeated setbacks have taken a toll, and the industry’s future depends on its ability to adapt and receive the necessary support to overcome these hurdles.
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