Sustainable Citrus Farming Boosts Florida Agriculture

Florida’s citrus industry, a cornerstone of the state’s agriculture, is seeing a resurgence through sustainable practices.

In 2025, growers in regions like Polk County are adopting regenerative techniques, such as cover cropping and organic pest management, to combat challenges like citrus greening.

The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is supporting these efforts with research on resilient citrus varieties, strengthening local economies and preserving Florida’s iconic orange groves.

Key Challenges Shaping Sustainable Citrus Farming

Citrus Greening (HLB)

Citrus greening, spread by the Asian citrus psyllid, remains the most significant threat to Florida’s citrus industry. Since its detection in 2005, it has reduced orange production by over 90%, from 244 million boxes in 1997–1998 to a projected 12 million boxes in the 2024–2025 season. The disease causes premature fruit drop, smaller and misshapen fruit, and eventual tree death, with no known cure. Sustainable farming practices are being developed to manage HLB without relying solely on chemical interventions, which can harm ecosystems and increase costs.

Hurricane Challenges

Recent hurricanes, including Irma (2017), Ian (2022), and Milton (2024), have devastated groves, causing fruit drop and tree damage. Hurricane Milton alone resulted in agricultural losses estimated at $1.5–$2 billion. Florida’s subtropical climate, while ideal for citrus, also exposes groves to frequent storms and rising temperatures, necessitating resilient farming strategies.

Economic and Land-Use Pressures

The high cost of maintaining HLB-infected groves—up to $2,000 per acre annually compared to $600–$700 historically—has driven many growers to sell land for residential or solar farm development. Over the past decade, citrus acreage has halved, with companies like Alico Inc. exiting citrus production in 2025 due to economic unviability. Sustainable practices aim to make citrus farming financially viable to preserve Florida’s agricultural heritage.

Sustainable citrus farming in Florida and elsewhere integrates environmental, economic, and social strategies to combat these challenges while preserving the industry’s cultural significance. This is the farming practice every area needs to be looking at because it reduces cancer-causing pesticide use, protects against storms, and suppresses diseases and other factors while minimizing environmental impact. It also conserves water, critical in Florida’s sandy, low-organic-matter soils.

Finally, some growers incorporate companion planting with herbs like basil or marigolds, which repel psyllids naturally, aligning with Florida’s growing herbal medicine movement. Workshops at events like the Florida Herbal Conference teach these techniques, blending agriculture with herbalism.

The future of sustainable citrus farming in Florida hinges on balancing innovation with cultural preservation. In 2025, sustainable citrus farming in Florida is a story of resilience and innovation in the face of daunting challenges. Through CUPS systems, regenerative practices, precision agriculture, and research into HLB-resistant trees, growers are fighting to preserve an industry that defines Florida’s identity. These efforts are deeply tied to the state’s herbal medicine movement, vibrant music scene, and unique local culture, as seen in festivals, community gardens, and youth programs. While economic and environmental pressures persist, the combination of scientific breakthroughs, state support, and community pride offers hope for a sustainable citrus future.