Florida's citrus industry, particularly in Polk County, is under severe threat from urban sprawl and diseases like citrus greening. With a notable population surge, developers are eyeing orange groves for housing while many families have cultivated these lands for generations. After devastating hurricanes and ongoing agricultural challenges, the region has seen a staggering 90% drop in orange production over the past two decades. Growers like Trevor Murphy hold onto their groves in hopes of better agricultural solutions, emphasizing the cultural significance of citrus to the state.
At some point, this isn't going to be an orange grove anymore," Murphy, a third-generation grower, says as he gazes at the rows of trees in Lake Wales, Florida.
Losing the citrus industry is not an option. This industry is . . . so ingrained in Florida. Citrus is synonymous with Florida," Matt Joyner, CEO of trade association.
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