Disease and devastation has caused a major Florida orange grower to close its operation

A major Florida orange grower is closing its operation after several challenging seasons.

Alico Incorporated says that after harvest last year, its 3,000 acre citrus operation will be taken over by third-party caretakers through 2026.
The company says that its citrus production fell by 73% over the past decade, challenged by hurricanes, and citrus greening disease.

The company says that a quarter of its land will be slotted for development projects.

Citrus greening disease has had widespread impact on the Florida citrus industry, causing nearly 75% of the industry’s losses.

Scientists at the University of Florida are working towards a solution.

UF Scientists are currently researching a new type of citrus tree that may be able to fight off the insects responsible for spreading citrus greening. The genetically edited tree has been tested in labs and greenhouses, but is considered one of the most promising potential solutions to date.

Scientists say that they hope to begin testing the trees in fields in about a year.

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