This article was originally published by Grist. To receive Grist’s weekly newsletter, click here. Oranges are a symbol of Florida, seen on license plates and souvenirs. The fruit is a key part of the state’s identity, but for Jay Clark, an 80-year-old third-generation grower in Wauchula, the future is uncertain. Devastated by Hurricane Ian and citrus greening disease, his family’s once-thriving citrus business is struggling to survive. Florida’s citrus industry, which once dominated the market, is now facing existential threats due to climate change, diseases, and extreme weather events. The state’s citrus production has plummeted, leading to record-high prices for orange juice. Despite ongoing research efforts to find a cure for citrus greening, the industry’s future remains uncertain. The disease has decimated Florida’s citrus groves, with no end in sight. Growers are desperately seeking solutions to save their crops, including experimental treatments like antibiotics. The state’s citrus industry has been battered by a series of challenges, from canker disease to hurricanes, floods, and drought. Climate change is exacerbating these problems, making it harder for growers to sustain their orchards. While hopes for a recovery are slim, researchers and policymakers are investing in solutions to save Florida’s citrus industry. Despite the odds, there is still hope that the Sunshine State’s iconic citrus groves can be saved.
