The Shrinking Orange: Florida's Citrus Industry in Crisis Florida's citrus industry has been a cornerstone of the state's economy for over a century, providing jobs and income for thousands of farmers and their families.
However, the industry is now facing unprecedented challenges due to disease and climate related stressors, threatening its very existence.
A History of Resilience: Florida's Citrus Industry Emerges Florida's emergence as a major citrus producing state dates back to the early 20th century, when pioneers like Henry Plant and Hamilton Disston invested in vast tracts of land and innovative farming practices that allowed for large scale cultivation.