Florida citrus acreage lowest in history

Florida citrus acreage has fallen to its lowest level in nearly three generations.

On Sept. 12, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported the Sunshine State's citrus acreage declined to 480,121 acres for 2015-16, the lowest since the agency began surveying acreage in 1966.

Oranges, which constitute 89% of the state's citrus acreage, is the lowest since that period as are grapefruit and tangerines, according to the report.

In 1970, the state planted 715,806 acres of oranges, 124,050 acres of grapefruit and 101,615 acres of specialty fruit or tangerines and tangelos.

Today, oranges constitute 425,728 acres, grapefruit, 40,316 acres and specialty fruit, 14,077.

Orange production is down 3.7% from the 2014-15 season while white grapefruit sustained the biggest loss at 17% for the period. Red seedless grapefruit suffered only a 4% decline, according to the report.

Tangerine and tangelo acreage declined 17% respectively from the previous year.

Of the 27 citrus-producing counties, 24 recorded acreage decreases, according to the report.

The Indian River region produces the most grapefruit acreage while the central region leads in the production of oranges and specialty fruit.

In terms of total citrus production, the central, southern and western regions represent the biggest acreage.

Florida citrus acreage 1970-2016: