Florida’s largest citrus grower, Alico Inc., plans to transform its 53,371-acre citrus plantation into a new community of 9,000 homes. The project, which will include 6,000 acres of protected conservation land, is part of the company’s shift away from citrus production following a significant decline in sales over the past decade.
Alico’s decision to end its citrus operations comes as Florida’s industry faces numerous challenges, including devastating hurricanes and a crippling citrus greening disease. The state’s orange production has plummeted by 90% over the past two decades, with California now surpassing Florida as the nation’s leading citrus producer.
As the demand for housing in Florida continues to grow, developers are increasingly converting former citrus groves into residential areas. Alico’s community is expected to be built near the intersection of Collier, Lee, and Hendry counties, providing a unique blend of natural conservation and modern living.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/florida-citrus-alico-agriculture-hurricanes-7bdb078953a38751e24c785a642ef9b7