Florida’s climate enables the state to be the second largest producer of citrus in the world and the largest producer of 100% orange juice in the United States. More than 95 percent of oranges grown in Florida are used to produce orange juice and about half of the orange juice Americans drink hails from Florida.
How important are oranges to Florida’s economy?
Florida Orange Facts: Economic Impact
The growing, packing, processing, and selling of citrus generates a nearly $9 billion per year impact on Florida’s economy. The citrus industry generates close to $1 billion in tax revenues helping support schools, highways, and healthcare services.
What economic impact does the citrus industry have on the state of Florida?
According to a study conducted by the University of Florida, the local citrus industry had an economic impact of $6.762 billion to the state . The report indicates a majority of the industry’s value in 2019-2020 came from the manufacturing of citrus juice and byproducts at $4.741 billion.
Why is Florida known for oranges?
Citrus was first farmed commercially in Florida in the mid-1800s, and the first orange trees were planted in St. Augustine, Florida in the mid-1500s. Oranges have thrived in Florida due to the state’s sub-tropical temperatures, abundant rainfall, plenty of sunshine and unique, sandy soil .
What happened to the Florida citrus industry?
Florida citrus production has decreased for almost two decades. ... Florida is projected to produce 56 million boxes of oranges this season, which would be the state’s second smallest citrus output in the last 20 years. “Florida citrus production is projected to decrease 18.5% compared to last season.
Is it illegal to grow oranges in Florida?
Citrus: Oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruit can all be grown here in Florida . There are many many varieties that love our climate but all of them are affected by freezes. A huge problem that Florida is facing with citrus is a disease called citrus greening. ... Sorry north Florida, you probably can’t grow this one.
Are Florida or California oranges better?
While both states grow the same varieties of oranges, this difference in climate has a distinct impact on the fruits. Oranges in Florida are comparatively sweeter and juicier than their California counterparts . On the other hand, California oranges tend to maintain freshness longer due to their thicker peels.
How much money does the Florida citrus industry make?
Florida’s citrus industry also supports more than 33,000 jobs that produced more than $1.5 billion in wages, salaries, benefits and business proprietor income, in turn leading to $140 million in state and local taxes and $360 million in federal taxes, according to UF/IFAS.
Which orange is best for eating?
The navel orange actually grows a second “twin” fruit opposite its stem. The second fruit remains underdeveloped, but from the outside, it resembles a human navel—hence the name. Navels are part of the winter citrus family. They’re seedless, peel easily, and are thought to be one of the world’s best-tasting oranges.
What is Florida’s national fruit?
It’s Now Official: Florida’s Fruit Is the Orange .
What part of Florida produces the most oranges?
Much of the oranges in Florida are grown in the southern two-thirds of the Florida peninsula , where there is low probability for a freeze.
Why are oranges so bad this year?
Orange groves had been ravaged by citrus greening , an insect-borne, imported bacteria that spoils the fruit and kills the trees, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
How many oranges are produced in Florida a year?
Florida may produce as few as 89 million boxes of oranges this year, forecasters say, down 63 percent from the 242 million boxes the state produced a decade ago.
Why can’t oranges grow in North Florida?
There is a degree of risk growing citrus in North Florida due to freezes . ... When compared to other fruit production in the Tallahassee area citrus is one of the easiest crops from which to obtain a large yield. • Microclimates are an important concept to understand to grow citrus successfully where freezes are expected.
Is growing oranges in Florida a good investment?
Singerman and Useche (2016) surveyed growers covering around 30% of total citrus acreage in Florida, and found that 57% reported that at least one Trejo-Pech, Spreen, and Zansler Is Growing Oranges in Florida a Good Investment? 629 Page 6 tree in every single acre of their groves was greening-infected, and fruit yields ...
Do lemon trees do well in Florida?
Do lemon trees grow well in Florida? Lemons and Limes Acid fruits tend to be very cold-sensitive and are usually best suited for warmer locations in Central and South Florida. One exception is the mellow ‘Meyer’ lemon, which is relatively cold-hardy and can be grown through the state.
