The Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC) and Florida Citrus Mutual (FCM) have been actively working to support the citrus industry, which significantly contributes to Florida’s economy with an annual impact of $6.9 billion. In January and February, leadership from both organizations advocated in Tallahassee for this vital sector.
Following the USDA Citrus Crop Forecast earlier this month, media coverage highlighted comparisons between current estimates and the industry’s peak periods from the mid-1990s to early 2000s. Despite these challenges, there is a concerted effort to address them head-on. Since 2021, growers in Florida have replanted and reset 3.7 million trees over nearly 20,000 acres using high-density grove plantings as a primary strategy. This approach involves planting more trees on less land.
The FDOC and FCM are pushing for legislative support to increase greening-tolerant tree planting, advance promising research, and maintain demand for products made from Florida’s state fruit.
On February 4, during a Senate Committee Meeting, FDOC Executive Director Shannon Shepp and FCM Executive Vice President & CEO Matt Joyner delivered presentations emphasizing continued advocacy for rebuilding the citrus industry. They encouraged stakeholders to utilize available resources and anticipate five new varieties through the 2024-25 Program for Expedited Propagation.
Steve Johnson serves as Chairman of the Florida Citrus Commission, overseeing the FDOC. He is also the owner and general manager of Johnson Harvesting, Inc., located in Wauchula, FL.
