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Dundee Today
By the People, for the People
Florida Citrus Growers Battle Drought, Costs, and Disease
Extreme dry conditions are driving up irrigation expenses and compounding long-running challenges for Florida's citrus industry.
Mar. 12, 2026 at 3:04am
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Florida is facing its worst drought in 25 years, intensifying pressure on a citrus industry already battered by disease, hurricanes, and rising costs. The dry spell is adding new financial strain for growers who rely heavily on irrigation to sustain crops. Florida accounts for 17% of the nation's citrus production, and the industry remains a key economic driver for many communities. However, the state's citrus acreage has fallen from over 800,000 acres in 2000 to just over 200,000 acres today, reflecting years of disease pressure and storm damage.
Why it matters
The Florida citrus industry is a vital economic engine for the state, but it has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including citrus greening disease, hurricanes, and now a severe drought. The drought is driving up irrigation costs for growers, further straining an industry that is already struggling to maintain production levels and profitability.
The details
The drought has left 100% of Florida experiencing some level of drought, with more than 75% in extreme drought conditions. This is adding new financial strain for growers who rely heavily on irrigation to sustain their citrus crops. To combat the challenges, some growers have turned to a technology called "CUPS" or Citrus Under Protective Screens, which involves planting orange groves under 10-acre white tent structures. This controlled environment allows for precise irrigation and supports fruit production even during prolonged dry spells.
- Florida is facing its worst drought in 25 years.
- In 2000, Florida's citrus industry covered over 800,000 acres, but that figure has fallen to just over 200,000 acres today.
The players
Dundee Citrus Growers Association
A large fresh fruit cooperative in Florida that harvests citrus from over 10,000 acres.
Jennifer Schaal
The VP of finance at Dundee Citrus Growers Association.
Steven Callaham
The executive vice president and CEO of Dundee Citrus Growers Association.
Bill Bhode
The director of agronomy at Dundee Citrus Growers Association.
What they’re saying
“There are multiple companies across our county and across our state, and it's definitely a lifeline to a lot of Floridians here. It's what they depend on.”
— Jennifer Schaal, VP of finance
“The number one challenge the industry has had over the years is citrus greening disease. And then on top of that challenge, we've experienced numerous hurricanes.”
— Steven Callaham, Executive vice president and CEO
“When you irrigate, it requires a pump that is either powered by diesel or it's powered by electricity, and it gets very, very expensive.”
— Steven Callaham, Executive vice president and CEO
“This ten-acre pod will produce between 8,000 and 10,000 boxes per pod. The trees in this environment, they're happy. They grow faster than trees do in traditional outdoor groves, and they come into production quicker. So it's one way that we can really get the industry back on track.”
— Steven Callaham, Executive vice president and CEO
“If I wasn't optimistic, I would not be in the citrus business. So I think we have a lot of positives going for us right now, you know? The challenges we have are temporary. We're going to make it through.”
— Steven Callaham, Executive vice president and CEO
What’s next
The citrus industry will continue to monitor the drought conditions and explore new technologies like the "CUPS" system to help sustain production during the dry spell.
The takeaway
The Florida citrus industry is facing a perfect storm of challenges, from disease and hurricanes to the current severe drought. However, innovative growers are finding ways to adapt, like using controlled environment systems, to keep the industry viable and an important economic driver for the state.
