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Florida Citrus Decline: Frustrations and Solutions

Daniel CooperFlorida, HLB Management

solutions

A recent Florida TaxWatch report detailed the reasons for the decline of the Florida citrus industry. The report also described frustrations with efforts to combat citrus greening and suggested solutions for the industry’s decline. Edited excerpts from that portion of the report follow:      

Prominent citrus growers stated they are still optimistic about the future as many citrus entities are investing in the industry.

There have been many short-term solutions to combat citrus greening: growing trees in giant canopies to keep insects out but still allow sunlight and rain through, developing new blight-resistant citrus trees, injecting greening-resistant genes into citrus trees, and using push-pull pest management to lure pests to trap crops.

A majority of researchers believe that the only long-term solution is a new variety of citrus that is resistant to citrus greening disease. However, the use of genetic engineering in citrus production is still an ongoing debate in the citrus industry.

Most of these methods require a high investment, which many citrus growers in Florida cannot afford. The Florida citrus industry is at a critical period for survival, requiring strategic planting of citrus, scientific revitalization and increased awareness of citrus production requirements.

High investment costs present a significant hurdle for many growers. To overcome these challenges, the industry must focus on:

  • Strategic replanting and infrastructure rebuilding
  • Increased awareness of citrus production needs
  • Continued scientific research for sustainable solutions

Preserving Florida’s citrus legacy demands immediate and collaborative action to balance innovation with tradition.

Florida TaxWatch is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit taxpayer research institute and government watchdog. Its mission is to provide the taxpayers of Florida and public officials with high quality, independent research and analysis of issues related to state and local government taxation, expenditures, policies and programs.

Read the full Florida TaxWatch report, The Continuing Decline of Florida’s Citrus Industry, here.

Source: Florida TaxWatch

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