Sunshine State Saga – Part III, The 2000s to Today

Citrus Greening
Despite all of these daunting obstacles, citrus greening remains the top concern for many Florida growers.

The pervasive disease, now present in every citrus-growing county in the Sunshine State, has reduced citrus production by nearly 70 percent from the industry’s peak nearly 20 years ago.

Agricultural experts across the state and nation are frantically searching for a cure to the deadliest plant disease in Florida’s history.

Most recently, University of Florida researchers have been experimenting with the application of lasers on citrus leaves. The scientists have discovered that lasers, when used at a specific setting, greatly improve the effectiveness of antibiotic treatments currently being tested on infected citrus trees.

Mandarin Madness
Amid the ongoing fight against greening, some Florida citrus growers are experimenting with new categories—particularly easy-peel mandarins, which have exploded in popularity in the last decade.

Flores says Seald Sweet has been steadily expanding its mandarin program for more than 15 years, through both domestic and international growers. “That’s what Florida needs to help make it a player in this category,” she contends, unfortunately, she says, “most of the growers are reluctant to plant any new varieties because of the diseases.”

Since the late 1990s, mandarin plantings in California have increased tenfold, from 5,000 to 50,000 acres. The state now harvests 92 percent of the nation’s mandarin crop. In the meantime, Florida’s share of mandarin production has plummeted from 66 to just 8 percent.

Despite the risks, Flores says some Sunshine State growers are starting to plant mandarins and other new varieties.

“It’s really an exciting time because there are some great varieties out there,” she explains. “We’re just being very cautious and using best practices to minimize the risk of disease.”

Still, A Sunny Outlook 
Flores, for one, remains positive about the future. “We have a great state here, and I’m really proud of all the work of Commissioner Putnam.

“He’s done wonders for our agriculture industry,” Flores emphasizes. “In Florida, we have a lot to offer—next to California, we’re one of the heavier producers of agriculture in the United States. We just have to embrace opportunities and listen to what ­consumers want.”

Florida produce growers are incredibly proud of their state’s rich agricultural heritage, even as they face plenty of modern day obstacles—from citrus greening and competition from Mexico to wild tropical weather and labor shortages. If history really does repeat itself, the Sunshine State will overcome each of these barriers.

Mott sums it by saying, “We certainly face some challenges, but I’m optimistic.”

Images: Everett Historical/Ivan Cholakov/Harry B. Lamb/Harvepino/

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