Citrus growers in the United States need farm bill programs that help them prevent diseases and pests, as well as recover from natural disasters.

Since 2000, total domestic production of oranges dropped 80%, while grapefruit production declined 88%, highlighting the need for robust farm bill programs for the citrus industry.

Much of the decline is from citrus greening disease, American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Economist Danny Munch said.

“Before 2014, Florida consistently produced over 70% of the nation’s oranges. This year will be the first year that the state of California surpasses production of oranges over Florida,” Much said. “And that’s not because California is increasing production but because orange production in Florida has fallen 90% in the past 20 years.”

The decline means much of the U.S. citrus supply now comes from imports.

“Since 2000, our imports of citrus products have jumped over 300%, primarily from countries like Mexico, Peru and Chile for fresh citrus,” he said. “The United States historically led the world in production. Back in 1970, we produced nearly 50% of the world’s oranges. In 2000, we dropped to 25%, and this year it’s estimated to be at 5%. And many consumers might notice that their orange juice is switched from being 100% U.S. grown to now a mixture with another country.”

But the farm bill could help citrus growers navigate these challenges.

Farm Bureau supports the reauthorization of programs, including the Emergency Citrus Disease Research and Development Trust Fund.

“They’re really essential to finding effective and financially sustainable solutions for farmers dealing with diseases and invasive pests. Additionally, 40% of grapefruits, 20% of oranges are not covered by existing risk management programs, so like with many specialty crops, ensuring that crop insurance is improved to provide affordable and productive protection against natural disasters is important,” Munch said.

Citrus production in the United States has dropped to levels so low that U.S. citrus growers can no longer support domestic demand nor lead the world in market share. The primary factor contributing to this continues to be the spread of citrus greening disease throughout the primary production state of Florida, AFBF economists said.

California and Texas, which have been able to maintain and even increase production of most citrus crops, could take on some of this production decline but face their own intrastate challenges, including potential citrus greening outbreaks in their own groves.

Persistent hurricanes, ever encroaching urban development, high labor costs and regulatory uncertainty have cornered Florida citrus producers into what, at times, seems like a battle lost. While the geographic limitations of growing citrus crops limits U.S. farmers in their ability to be resilient under intensifying conditions, this situation may likely grow to agricultural markets outside of citrus.

For more information on citrus production, view the citrus AFBF Market Intel report.