Why Won’t Florida Lawmakers Help Small Citrus Growers? Are They In Bed with Big Ag?
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 has long been a symbol of the state’s agricultural heritage, contributing billions to the economy and supporting thousands of jobs. But as small citrus growers struggle to survive, one glaring question remains: why do Florida lawmakers refuse to step in and help? Despite the devastating effects of citrus greening disease, hurricanes, rising operational costs, and corporate competition, small family-run citrus farms continue to be overlooked by state legislators—while Big Agriculture (Big Ag) receives tax breaks, subsidies, and legislative support.
Are lawmakers simply negligent, or is there something deeper at play? Is Florida’s government in bed with Big Ag, choosing to back corporate interests over the very farmers who built the industry? The evidence points to a troubling reality: small growers are being sacrificed for political and financial gain.
Why Do Florida Lawmakers Refuse to Help Small Citrus Growers? Are They In Bed with Big Ag?
1. Follow the Money: Big Ag’s Hold on Florida Politics
One of the biggest obstacles for small citrus growers is the massive political influence wielded by corporate agricultural giants. The reality is simple: money buys power in politics, and Big Ag has plenty of both. And politicians… gobble it up. Yes, just like a Thanksgiving Day turkey before its sacrificed as a holiday staple. But in all reality, isn’t this also the job of an elected representative?
How Big Ag Dominates Florida’s Legislature
Massive Political Donations: Large agribusinesses—some of the biggest names in citrus—regularly donate millions to political campaigns to secure favorable policies. In contrast, small growers lack the financial clout to influence lawmakers.
Corporate Lobbying: Florida’s biggest agricultural corporations have well-funded lobbying teams that pressure lawmakers to prioritize their interests over smaller farms.
Legislative Influence: Laws and regulations are often crafted by corporate-backed lawmakers, designed to benefit large-scale citrus producers while leaving small farms to fend for themselves.
Result? Florida lawmakers have every financial incentive to cater to Big Ag’s demands, while small citrus farmers are left behind. View our 2025 Citrus Industry Voter Guide.
2. Florida’s Subsidy System: Designed for Big Growers, Not Small Farms
State and federal farm subsidies exist to support agricultural businesses, but in Florida, the system is rigged against small citrus growers.
How Subsidies Favor Big Ag Over Small Farmers:
Big Growers Get the Bulk of State and Federal Funds – A significant percentage of agricultural subsidies and relief funds go to large corporate citrus farms, while small, independent growers receive little to no aid.
Complicated Application Processes – The bureaucratic red tape for grants and subsidies is nearly impossible to navigate for small farmers without dedicated legal and financial teams—something only large corporations can afford.
Legislation Prioritizes Large-Scale Production – Florida’s agricultural policies favor mass citrus production, rewarding efficiency at scale rather than preserving the heritage and quality of small, family-run citrus groves.
By designing subsidies and financial assistance to benefit large corporations, lawmakers effectively block small citrus farmers from receiving the aid they desperately need.
3. Lawmakers Ignore Small Growers While Protecting Big Ag’s Profits
Instead of helping small farmers, Florida’s legislature continues to enact policies that directly benefit large citrus conglomerates—often at the expense of the very growers who helped build the industry.
Recent Examples of Favoritism Towards Big Ag:
Water Rights & Environmental Regulations: While small growers face fines and restrictions for water use and environmental impact, large-scale citrus producers secure exemptions and tax breaks to continue business as usual.
Disaster Relief Goes to the Biggest Players: After hurricanes or disease outbreaks, disaster relief funding overwhelmingly goes to corporate citrus farms, leaving smaller growers without a lifeline.
Land Use Policies Push Out Small Farms: Big Ag benefits from zoning laws and land acquisition policies, which allow them to expand operations while smaller growers struggle with rising land costs and shrinking farmland.
Bottom Line? Lawmakers are not just ignoring small growers—they are actively creating policies that favor large agricultural businesses at the expense of independent farmers.
4. The Future of Florida Citrus: Can Small Growers Survive?
With no meaningful support from lawmakers, small citrus growers are forced to compete in an unfair system. Many are already closing down, selling off their land, or shifting to other crops—while Big Ag continues to consolidate power.
Without intervention, the future is bleak:
More family-owned citrus farms will disappear
Florida’s citrus industry will be monopolized by corporate agribusiness
Consumers will suffer from lack of variety, higher prices, and lower-quality citrus
So what can be done? It’s time to demand change.
5. The Save Florida Citrus Groves Foundation: Fighting for Small Growers
Lawmakers won’t act, so we are. The Save Florida Citrus Groves Foundation was created to provide direct financial assistance and advocacy for small citrus growers who have been abandoned by the state.
How We Help Small Citrus Growers:
Direct Grants for Small Farms – We distribute grants to struggling small growers to help cover costs for equipment, grove maintenance, pest control, and recovery from natural disasters.
Emergency Financial Assistance – For farmers in crisis, we provide quick and effective relief to prevent permanent closure.
Public Awareness Campaigns – We expose the truth about Florida’s failing policies and push for greater accountability from lawmakers.
If lawmakers refuse to stand up for small citrus growers, then it’s up to us to make sure they don’t get away with it.
Final Thoughts: It’s Time to Hold Florida Lawmakers Accountable
The evidence is clear—Florida lawmakers refuse to help small citrus growers because they are financially tied to Big Ag. Instead of supporting independent farms, they are pushing policies that prioritize corporate profit over Florida’s agricultural heritage.
But small citrus farmers are not powerless. With the support of organizations like the Save Florida Citrus Groves Foundation, we can fight back, demand change, and ensure a future where small citrus farms thrive once again.
What Can You Do?
Support the Save Florida Citrus Groves Foundation – Help us fund small growers and advocate for real policy change.
Call Out Lawmakers Who Ignore Small Farmers – Demand transparency and action from state legislators.
Spread the Word – Expose the reality of Florida’s agriculture industry and share this message with your community.
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