California is stepping in to help Florida’s citrus crop

Florida citrus growers have had their share of challenges, from disease to hurricanes. However, industry leaders are now turning to California to help bridge the gap.

“California has been serving a role in helping to continue to provide this really premium quality fresh, not from concentrate juice for some of our premium brands that we find in Florida and helping to keep that market access open,” said Dr. Maria Zansler, Director of Economic and Market Research with the Florida Department of Citrus.

Zansler says there are big profits to be had with citrus, adding California growers could boost their bottom lines by selling their fruit for juice.

“The leading sources of orange juice that Florida processors are receiving in the middle of Florida’s challenging supply issues are from Brazil and Mexico by and large, but there are these niche markets in California that can help supply that, and certainly as we’re working to shore up our production once again following terrible hurricane events, that is helping to keep that market supply going.”

Right now, the top orange on the market is valencia, but there is a slight decline. Zansler adds navel oranges are also put into “not from concentrate” juice as well.

Related Stories
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated this week that the government will intervene to help, following China’s withdrawal from the U.S. soybean market. One trader says the industry will remain in a holding pattern until Tuesday.
University of Illinois Ag Economist Gary Schnitker says early projections indicate soybeans will be more profitable than corn in 2026.
Dr. Beetham outlined the background of the EU’s decision to modernize seed regulations and where the process stands today, and its impact on global agriculture and food security.
In a final rule published in the Federal Register, the Department states that it will no longer base wage rates on the Farm Labor Survey.
Trump’s upcoming talks raise hopes for U.S. soybeans, but China’s record purchases from Brazil and Argentina show America’s market share remains under heavy pressure.
USDA’s report shows wheat strength overall, with winter wheat yields setting records, while spring wheat and rye saw declines. Oats and barley remain constrained by record-low acreage despite stable or rising yields.

Agriculture Shows
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.
The goal of “Where the Food Comes From” is as simple as its name implies — host Chip Carter takes you along on the journey of where our food comes from — and we don’t just mean to the supermarket (though that’s part of the big picture!). But beyond where it comes from, how it gets there, and all the links in the chain that make that happen.
Join markets specialist Scott Shellady, better known as the Cow Guy, as he covers the market-close, breaking down headlines that drive the commodities and equities markets with commentary from respected industry heavyweights.