Institutional Florida citrus grow is winding down operation amid struggles

Major Florida citrus grower winds down operations

FOX 13's Lloyd Sowers reports that as Florida's citrus season winds down, Alico Orange Groves is facing another slow year, deterred even more by the hurricanes that struck the state.

DESOTO, Fla. - Orange groves owned by Alico have been at the heart of Florida's citrus industry for 100 years, but production has declined by over 70% over the past 10 years.

Alico citrus grove.

Alico now says it’s winding down its citrus business following damage from a string of major hurricanes and a plant disease called greening.

Many other citrus growers say they're struggling, too.

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"Obviously, it's a concern. It's been a big part of the state's culture and the state's history," said Governor Ron DeSantis at an event in Tampa Tuesday.

DeSantis promised more help to cure greening and to keep growers from going out of business.

"There's always going to be the grower that has no choice," said grower Ned Hancock.

Hancock’s family has owned groves in Highlands and Hardee Counties for generations, and he vows to stay.

Hurricane damage on a Florida's citrus grove.

He says groves are critical and not just to growers.

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"When our citrus groves go away, rooftops follow," said Hancock. "You never see rooftops that recharge water, are good for the environment, and every other thing, and I can't imagine Florida without citrus."

Despite the problems, Hancock believes Florida’s citrus industry can return if scientists can control greening and the Trump administration improves U.S. agriculture policies.

Alico promises to keep most of its land agricultural, just not all to be used for citrus production.

Once Florida's signature crop, right now, the orange is getting crushed.

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