Shannon Shepp, Florida Department of Citrus executive director, recently discussed the renewed sense of optimism being felt in the Florida citrus industry due to recent positive developments.
INCREASED CITRUS PRODUCTION
One of the reasons for optimism is the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s final citrus forecast for the 2025–26 season. Despite weathering another challenging season, including damaging freezes, Florida orange production climbed to nearly 13 million boxes, marking the first meaningful increase after years of decline.
For Shepp, the report represents more than just another statistic. “Coming in at almost 13 million boxes of oranges was stunning,” she said. “It took my breath away.”
The increase comes after years of significant investment by growers, researchers and the state of Florida. New planting programs from the Citrus Research and Field Trial Foundation, advances in HLB therapies and improved grove management practices are beginning to show measurable results.
“This is the first sign of all of that hard work and optimism paying off,” Shepp said. “This is not just optimism. This is results. This is evidence. We are turning the corner.”
MODERNIZED JUICE STANDARD
Adding to the optimism is the Food and Drug Administration’s recent decision to modernize the federal standard for orange juice by lowering the minimum Brix requirement.
The updated regulation could have meaningful implications for Florida growers as it better reflects today’s growing conditions.
“The consumer is going to see no difference whatsoever,” Shepp explained. “They’re not going to taste any difference. It just allows more Florida citrus to be utilized in orange juice.”
Shepp said the decision demonstrates the importance of regulators working alongside the industry to modernize policies while maintaining consumer confidence.
LOOKING BEYOND SURVIVAL
Shepp believes these positive developments represent something much larger.
When asked whether the industry has more momentum today than it has had in recent years, Shepp answered: “Absolutely, without a doubt.”
Rather than asking whether Florida citrus can survive, Shepp said the conversation is beginning to shift toward growth.
“I am seeing folks moving with more intention, making decisions and planning for the future,” she said. “They are looking at this not as, ‘Are we going to survive?’ but, ‘What are we going to do next? What’s the next step in our success?'”
Her message to growers was equally clear.
“Don’t stop believing,” Shepp said. “This industry has been through an awful lot. Over hundreds of years, we helped build the state of Florida, and we’re still here. Folks want us to be here. Florida is what people believe in when they see orange juice. Keep putting those trees in the ground, and let’s bring it all back.”
The road ahead will undoubtedly continue to present challenges, but after years defined by uncertainty, many in the industry are beginning to see something they have not had in quite some time: measurable progress.
For Florida citrus, that may be the strongest sign yet that a new chapter is beginning.
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