Saving Florida Citrus: Protecting Groves from Disease and Development
In response, the Save Florida Citrus Groves Foundation launched as the state’s first nonprofit dedicated to saving Florida’s citrus legacy
Florida’s citrus industry has a storied past but a steep decline. In the early 2000s, Florida harvested over 240 million boxes of oranges per year. By 2014 that had dropped to about 105 million. Today production is only a fraction of its former size. The culprit is largely citrus greening (HLB), a bacterial disease with no cure. It attacks the tree’s nutrient transport system, causing bitter fruit, tree decline and death. Repeated freezes and hurricanes have also damaged groves, and in recent years rapid residential development has replaced many small orchards with roads and houses.
Small, family-owned groves have borne the brunt of this crisis. While big producers have resources, Florida’s many small growers often struggled to stay afloat. In response, the Save Florida Citrus Groves Foundation launched as the state’s first nonprofit dedicated to saving Florida’s citrus legacy. Its mission is to assist the little growers who keep Florida’s citrus heritage alive.
Saving Florida Citrus: Protecting Groves from Disease and Development
The Foundation works on several fronts. It provides eco-grants to small farmers. Volunteers help rehabilitate neglected groves and teach sustainable farming methods. The organization also advocates for the citrus industry and raises funds to buy land and restore abandoned orchards. In short, they fill the gap by fighting HLB and urban sprawl to keep more groves producing.
You can help protect Florida citrus, too. Support can be as simple as buying Florida-grown oranges and grapefruit. You might also donate or volunteer with Save Florida Citrus Groves Foundation. to back their restoration grants and educational programs. Every orange or grapefruit you enjoy – and every contribution you make – helps defend the iconic Florida groves and the small farms behind them. Together, through awareness and action, we can ensure Florida’s citrus legacy endures.
The time to act is now. Save Florida Citrus Groves Foundation: Donate today to help save the future of the iconic Florida orange.