Photo: MattGush / iStock / Getty Images
FLORIDA - Florida’s citrus industry recorded its lowest production levels since the 1919-1920 season, according to data released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The 2024-2025 growing season ended with a total yield of 14.52 million boxes of citrus, including newly counted lemons.
This marks a 28.5 percent decrease from the previous season and a 75% decline compared to five years ago.
Orange production was the highest among all citrus categories, totaling 12.15 million boxes, but this still reflected a 32.7% drop from the 2023-2024 season.
Grapefruit production was reported at 1.3 million boxes, a 27.4% decrease.
Tangerines and tangelos combined accounted for 400,000 boxes, down 11 percent.
Lemons, added to the report this year, contributed 670,000 boxes.
Citrus greening disease continues to affect groves across the state.
In addition, hurricane damage has compounded losses.
Hurricane Milton made landfall in Sarasota County in October 2024 as a Category 4 storm, striking during the early phase of the growing season.
In response to the agricultural decline, the Florida Legislature approved $124.5 million in the 2025-2026 fiscal budget for citrus industry support.
This includes $100 million dedicated to planting disease-resistant trees, grove rehabilitation, and related tools and treatments.
In the early 2000s, Florida’s citrus industry produced more than 250 million boxes annually.
The current figure of 14.52 million boxes reflects over a century-low output.
The last time production levels were this low was during the 1919-1920 season, when 13.93 million boxes were recorded.