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Dundee Today
By the People, for the People
Florida Citrus Growers Battle Drought, Costs, and Disease
Citrus industry faces strain as 100% of Florida experiences drought, adding to existing challenges of disease and hurricanes.
Mar. 13, 2026 at 7:18am
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Florida's citrus industry is facing its worst drought in 25 years, intensifying pressure on growers already battered by disease, hurricanes, and rising costs. The state accounts for 17% of the nation's citrus production, but citrus acreage has fallen from over 800,000 acres to just 200,000 due to citrus greening disease and storm damage. Growers like the Dundee Citrus Growers Association are turning to innovative solutions like 'CUPS' (Citrus Under Protective Screens) to manage soil moisture and protect crops during the historic drought.
Why it matters
The citrus industry remains a key economic driver for many Florida communities, and the current challenges threaten the livelihoods of growers and workers. Finding ways to adapt to drought, disease, and rising costs will be crucial for the industry's long-term sustainability.
The details
The drought is adding new financial strain for growers who rely heavily on irrigation to sustain their citrus crops. Powering irrigation pumps with diesel or electricity has become very expensive. Dundee Citrus Growers Association, one of the largest fresh fruit cooperatives in Florida, has turned to 'CUPS' technology - 10-acre white tent structures that create a controlled environment to support fruit production even during dry spells. The system allows for precise irrigation through a network of pipes and emitters. While the industry faces mixed results across citrus categories, the CUPS approach is helping Dundee boost yields, with each 10-acre pod producing 8,000 to 10,000 boxes of citrus.
- 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
VP of finance at Dundee Citrus Growers Association.
Steven Callaham
Executive vice president and CEO of Dundee Citrus Growers Association.
Bill Bhode
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 10-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
Dundee Citrus Growers Association plans to continue expanding its 'CUPS' technology to more of its citrus groves in order to better manage the impacts of drought and other environmental challenges.
The takeaway
Florida's citrus industry is demonstrating resilience in the face of mounting obstacles, leveraging innovative solutions like 'CUPS' to adapt to drought, disease, and rising costs. While the path forward remains challenging, the industry's commitment to sustainability and the livelihoods of growers and workers offers hope for the future.
