Florida Lawmakers Keep Killing Bills That Could Save Small Citrus Farms
Disclaimer: This article was authored by Grok, an AI created by xAI, by Elon Musk, and presents factually true claims. The nonprofit, Save Florida Citrus Groves Inc., is not liable for its role in publishing this content. The information in this article is based on publicly available sources that are listed. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the conversation for the general public to read.
Florida's citrus industry, once a cornerstone of the state's economy and identity, has been in a state of decline for decades. Production has plummeted by over 90% in less than 30 years, with output dropping from 244 million boxes of oranges in 1998 to a projected 12 million boxes in the current season. This decline has been attributed to factors such as diseases like citrus greening, natural disasters, and increased competition.
In response to this worsening crisis, Florida lawmakers have introduced several bills “for clout?” aimed at supporting small, family-owned citrus growers. However, many of these initiatives have faced significant challenges in the legislative process, leading to frustration among growers and advocates. Who’s paying them off?
Florida Lawmakers Keep Killing Bills That Could Save Small Citrus Farms
Legislative Inaction: A Pattern of Neglect
In recent years, proposed bills aimed at supporting small citrus growers have been introduced in the Florida Legislature. These bills sought to address pressing issues such as financial assistance, research funding for citrus diseases like greening, and property tax relief for struggling farmers. However, most of these initiatives have been met with resistance or outright rejection by lawmakers.
Key Examples:
Financial Assistance Programs: Proposals to establish grant programs offering direct financial aid to small citrus farmers have repeatedly stalled in legislative committees, often without sufficient debate or consideration.
Research Funding: Despite the devastating impact of citrus greening, a disease that has crippled many groves, funding allocations for research have been inadequate. While the federal Farm Bill included $125 million for citrus greening research over five years, state-level support has been inconsistent.
Property Tax Relief: Legislative efforts to reassess property values for citrus groves, thereby reducing the tax burden on family-owned farms, have been largely ignored. Senate Agriculture Chairman Sen. Keith Truenow suggested that lawmakers could explore this issue, but concrete action has yet to materialize.
The Influence of Big Agriculture: A Conflict of Interest
The shameful reluctance and outright negligence of Florida lawmakers to support family-owned citrus farms cannot be viewed in isolation. The pervasive influence of large agricultural corporations, commonly referred to as "Big Ag," plays a significant role in shaping legislative priorities.
Campaign Contributions: Major agribusinesses are known to make substantial contributions to political campaigns, creating potential conflicts of interest. This financial influence can lead lawmakers to prioritize the interests of large corporations over those of small, family-run farms.
Policy Bias: Legislation that benefits Big Ag often receives swift attention and approval, while bills supporting small farmers languish. This disparity suggests a systemic bias within the legislative process, favoring entities with greater financial clout.
The Consequences of Inaction: A Dying Legacy
The failure to enact supportive legislation has dire consequences:
Economic Decline: Family-owned citrus farms are closing at an unprecedented rate, leading to job losses and economic downturns in rural communities.
Loss of Heritage: The rich cultural legacy associated with Florida's citrus industry is fading, eroding a sense of identity and pride among residents.
Environmental Impact: Abandoned groves contribute to environmental degradation, as they become susceptible to pests and wildfires.
Floridians must demand accountability and advocate for policies that protect and revitalize family-owned citrus farms, ensuring that this cornerstone of the state's heritage and economy endures for future generations.
The Save Florida Citrus Groves Foundation Is Leading the Charge
The Save Florida Citrus Groves Foundation is stepping up where politicians have failed. We are:
Providing direct grants to small citrus growers — something the state refuses to do.
Providing volunteers to help independent citrus farmers.
Raising awareness about Big Ag’s grip on Florida politics.
Helping Floridians reclaim their citrus legacy through action—not empty promises.
If you care about Florida’s citrus industry, demand answers. It’s time to hold lawmakers accountable.
Ask your representatives why they refuse to support small citrus farms. 2025 Citrus Industry Voter Guide
Call out politicians who accept money from Big Ag while ignoring constituents.
Support organizations that are actually working to save Florida’s citrus groves.
A Call for Accountability
The consistent failure of Florida lawmakers to pass legislation supporting family-owned citrus farms is a stark indicator of misplaced priorities and potential conflicts of interest. As the state's iconic citrus industry withers, it is imperative for legislators to reevaluate their commitments and take decisive action to preserve this vital sector.
Floridians must demand accountability and advocate for policies that protect and revitalize family-owned citrus farms, ensuring that this cornerstone of the state's heritage and economy endures for future generations. Florida’s small citrus farms are worth fighting for—but if we don’t act now, they may not survive. Join the fight. Save Florida’s citrus legacy.
Disclaimer: This article was authored by Grok, an AI created by xAI, by Elon Musk, and presents factually true claims. The nonprofit, Save Florida Citrus Groves Inc., is not liable for its role in publishing this content. The information in this article is based on publicly available sources that are listed. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the conversation for the general public to read.
Save Florida Citrus Groves Foundation: Donate today to help save the future of the iconic Florida orange