Florida citrus growers make up a bulk of the agriculture industry in Florida. This makes sense as Florida is well-known for its citrus fruits. Florida’s citrus provides oranges for Florida’s orange juice which is such a stable in the state. With such a high demand for orange juice among Florida’s residents and those located outside of the state, farmers are coming up with new and inventive ways to cultivate the citrus plant each year.
Varieties of Citrus grown in Florida
Florida produces a variety of citrus fruits, including oranges, grapefruits, tangerines, lemons, limes, and specialty citrus like tangelos and pomelos. The most common orange varieties are Valencia oranges (late-season) and Hamlin oranges (early-season). Ruby Red grapefruit is a popular grapefruit variety.
Citrus Tourism
Florida’s citrus industry has also become a major attraction for tourists. Citrus groves, packing houses, and citrus-related festivals offer visitors a chance to experience the citrus culture, learn about citrus production, and sample fresh citrus fruits and products.
The Orange Bird has become a popular fandom Disney character that showcases the love of oranges in Florida. The Orange Bird first debuted in 1971 as a mascot for the Florida Citrus Commission when they sponsored the Enchanted Tiki Room attraction and Sunshine Tree Terrace at Disney’s Magic Kingdom park. It is now a nostalgic and popular character for Disney merchandise.
Citrus Industry
Florida has a long and storied history in the citrus industry. It is one of the largest citrus-producing regions in the United States and has a significant economic impact on the state. The industry includes growers, processors, packers, and marketers.
Growing Regions
The major citrus-growing regions in Florida are located in the central and southern parts of the state. The Indian River region on the east coast is particularly renowned for its high-quality citrus, known as Indian River citrus.
Citrus Groves
Citrus groves in Florida range in size from small family-owned operations to large commercial enterprises. These groves consist of carefully managed orchards with rows of citrus trees planted at specific spacings. Irrigation systems are common in groves to ensure optimal water supply.
Citrus Diseases
Citrus greening, also known as Huanglongbing (HLB), is a serious bacterial disease that has significantly impacted Florida’s citrus industry. It is transmitted by the Asian citrus psyllid insect and affects the health and productivity of citrus trees. Efforts are underway to manage and control the disease.
Harvesting
Citrus fruits in Florida are typically harvested from late fall to early spring, depending on the variety. Harvesting methods include hand picking and mechanical harvesting. Citrus is picked at peak ripeness to ensure optimal flavor and quality.
Processing
After harvest, Florida citrus undergoes processing to produce various citrus products. This includes juicing, canning, freezing, and manufacturing citrus-based products such as marmalades, jellies, and citrus extracts. Florida’s processing facilities play a crucial role in preserving and utilizing the citrus crop.
Citrus Research
Florida is home to leading citrus research institutions, including the Citrus Research and Education Center (CREC) and the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). They conduct research on disease management, new citrus varieties, production techniques, and sustainable practices to support the citrus industry.
The Florida citrus industry has faced numerous challenges, including diseases, hurricanes, and market fluctuations. Growers and researchers continue to develop strategies and innovative solutions to overcome these challenges and ensure the long-term viability of the industry.
Florida citrus is not only a significant economic driver but also a symbol of the state’s agricultural heritage. The sweet and tangy flavors of Florida oranges and grapefruits have made them sought-after fruits both domestically and internationally.