Production of Orange in Florida Could Reach at Lowest Level due to Severe Weather and Deadly Disease

A recent news report said that the production of Florida's oranges or citrus is expected to decline at the lowest level due to the impact of severe weather conditions, hurricanes and disease.

It was saddening as many farmers watched the citrus decline and fall to the ground after many months of growing.

Recently, a strong Hurricane Ian unloaded in Florida and caused catastrophic damage to property and infrastructure.

Then, it was followed by Hurricane Nicole and severe weather conditions.

News reports called the aftermath of Hurricane Ian a warzone because of the widespread damages.

(Photo : by Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images)

The December weather in the United States has been challenging for many Americans because of storms causing heavy rain and snow.

Some portions of the country reported suffering from dangerous tornadoes and blizzard conditions.

Florida orange production was also heavily impacted during the onslaught of Hurricane Ian.

The production was forecasted to become low due to widespread flooding.

In addition, a recent news report from CNN Business revealed that the brunt of storms and citrus disease brought a heavy toll on Florida's orange communities.

As Christmas is in the air, many Americans will rush to the supermarkets to buy their favorite oranges.

Heartbreaking moment

According to CNN Business' latest report, Florida's orange crop is expected to reach its lowest before World War II.

The impact of declining production could soar the prices of orange juices and citrus.

The executive director of the Florida Department of Citrus, Shannon Shepp, told CNN that the decline of citrus was heartbreaking for orange growers.

Shepp explained that the sight was devastating as farmers had to grow the citrus crop for over nine months and then suddenly see the crops falling to the ground.

As many residents in Florida began to recover from Hurricane Ian, citrus growers have been facing severe weather conditions and crop disease challenges.

According to CNN, the estimated production is 20 million boxes of oranges for the 2022 to 2023 season.

However, the report explained an expected 51% decline, the smallest production recorded since the 1936 to 1937 season.

The report explained that orange growers had to look for more supply of oranges to deal with the decline in production.

Related Article: Hurricane Ian Devastates Citrus Grower's Florida, Causing Crop Losses

Other than the extreme weather events, a citrus greening disease had impacted Florida orange trees, which led to a dwindling supply of oranges for the season.

When the disease penetrates an orange tree, it affects the nutrient flow, which produces lower-quality oranges.

Mitigation plan

According to CNN, Shep said that greening was also the main problem in other countries, but the disease affected Florida's citrus in 2018.

In an estimate, the executive director explained that 100% of Florida groves might have been impacted.

Although citrus greening is said to be incurable, the report explained that farmers and Florida growers have been studying to address the disease's impact.

Shepp told CNN that growers would implement greening mitigation strategies to prevent the decline of orange production.

Due to the orange production decline, the report emphasized that orange prices could soar or become expensive.

Also Read: Toxic Algae Blooms Emerge in Portions Southwest Florida Coastline That Could Cause Fish Kills and Respiratory Risks

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