About Florida’s Small Citrus Growers: The Facts
Small family-owned citrus farms have historically been the backbone of Florida's citrus industry, contributing significantly to the state's economy and cultural identity. But, the Florida citrus industry continues to confront significant hurdles, notably the pervasive citrus greening disease and the impact of severe weather events. These challenges have led to reduced yields and increased production costs, prompting some growers to exit the industry and repurpose their land for development. Despite these obstacles, ongoing research aims to find solutions to these issues, and some growers remain hopeful about the industry's future, striving to preserve this iconic aspect of Florida's heritage.
Prevalence of Small Family-Owned Citrus Farms in Florida
While precise statistics on the number of small family-owned citrus farms in Florida are limited, it's evident that these operations vary widely in size, from a few acres to several hundred. The state's average farm size is 217 acres, encompassing both large commercial enterprises and smaller family-run farms.
Average Cost to Maintain an Orange Grove Compared to Revenue from Oranges Sold
The cost of maintaining an orange grove varies based on factors such as grove size, location, and management practices. For the 2020–2021 season, the estimated cultural costs for processed oranges in Southwest Florida were $1,508 per acre, with total production costs reaching $1,882 per acre. These figures represented a decrease of $214 per acre compared to the previous season, attributed to growers reducing expenses across various grove programs, except for fungicides and irrigation.
To achieve a breakeven point, growers needed to produce approximately 238 boxes per acre, considering a price of $1.78 per pound solids. However, the average yield during that season was 203 boxes per acre, indicating that many growers faced financial challenges in covering their production costs.
Number of Citrus Groves and Acreage in Florida
As of the 2021–2022 growing season, Florida's citrus acreage was reported at 419,542 acres, marking a 3% decrease from the previous and a substantial decline of nearly 50% from 2000, when citrus groves covered 832,275 acres. This reduction reflects the industry's ongoing challenges, including diseases like citrus greening and adverse weather conditions.
Challenges Faced by Small Family-Owned Citrus Farms
Citrus Greening Disease (Huanglongbing or HLB): This bacterial disease, spread by the Asian citrus psyllid, has devastated Florida's citrus groves. HLB causes trees to produce misshapen, bitter fruit and can lead to tree death. Nearly 100% of Florida's commercial groves have been affected, leading to reduced yields and increased production costs.
Extreme Weather Events: Florida's citrus farms are vulnerable to hurricanes and other severe weather events. For instance, Hurricane Ian in 2022 caused significant damage to citrus groves, leading to the closure of longstanding family businesses like Sun Groves, which had been operational since 1933.
Economic Pressures: The combination of reduced yields due to HLB and increased costs for disease management has strained the profitability of citrus farming. Many small-scale farmers struggle to cover production costs, leading some to cease operations and sell their land.
Market Dynamics: Declining consumer demand for orange juice, coupled with increased competition from other citrus-producing regions, has further pressured small farmers. Between 2020 and January 2025, the cost of a 12-ounce bottle of orange juice rose from $2.30 to $4.50, reflecting both reduced supply and changing market dynamics.
Resilience and Adaptation Strategies
Despite these challenges, some small family-owned farms are adopting innovative strategies to remain viable:
Diversification: Integrating other crops or agritourism activities to supplement income.
Disease Management: Implementing advanced grove management practices and participating in research initiatives to combat HLB.
Community Engagement: Building direct-to-consumer relationships through farmers' markets and local partnerships to enhance profitability.
Florida Citrus Grove Sales Trends
2023: The "Lay of the Land Florida 2023 Market Report" highlighted 40 citrus grove sales across 12 Central Florida counties, totaling 15,699 acres. The average transaction size was 392 acres, a substantial increase from previous years, suggesting a trend towards larger sales. The average sales price was $11,141 per net tree acre, reflecting a 3% increase from the prior year.
2019: In contrast, 68 citrus grove sales were recorded, encompassing approximately 5,731 gross acres and 4,666 net tree acres, with an average grove size of 69 net tree acres. Prices ranged from $3,532 to $15,464 per acre, averaging $10,369 per net tree acre.
Implications for Small Family-Owned Citrus Farms
The data indicates a trend towards larger grove transactions in recent years, which may pose challenges for small family-owned citrus farms:
Market Dynamics: Larger transactions could signal a consolidation trend within the industry, potentially making it more challenging for small-scale farmers to compete or expand.
Land Availability and Prices: As larger parcels become more prevalent in the market, small farmers may face difficulties finding appropriately sized and affordably priced land for sale.
Economic Pressures: The increasing average sales prices per acre reflect rising land values, which could further strain the financial viability of small family-owned operations.
Current Availability of Florida Citrus Groves for Sale
As of early 2025, various citrus groves are listed for sale in Florida, ranging from small plots to expansive properties:
Small to Medium-Sized Groves: Listings include properties like a 90.89-acre grove in Frostproof, Polk County, priced at $1,100,000.
Large-Scale Groves: Significant offerings include a 1,660-acre property known as Hyatt Farms at Lake Kissimmee and a 1,997-acre transitional farmland in Alva, Lee County, priced at $25,000,000 and $18,500,000, respectively.
Considerations for Prospective Citrus Grove Buyers
Individuals or entities interested in purchasing citrus groves in Florida should consider the following:
Due Diligence: Conduct thorough assessments of grove health, water rights, soil quality, and the presence of diseases like citrus greening.
Market Trends: Stay informed about current market conditions, including land values and industry challenges, to make informed investment decisions.
Professional Guidance: Engage with real estate professionals specializing in agricultural properties to navigate the complexities of such transactions effectively.
Florida Citrus Industry Outlook
The Florida citrus industry continues to confront significant hurdles, notably the pervasive citrus greening disease and the impact of severe weather events. These challenges have led to reduced yields and increased production costs, prompting some growers to exit the industry or repurpose their land for development. Despite these obstacles, ongoing research aims to find solutions to these issues, and some growers remain hopeful about the industry's future, striving to preserve this iconic aspect of Florida's heritage. The future of Florida's small family-owned citrus farms hinges on their ability to adapt to these challenges when you support the Save Florida Citrus Groves Foundation.