Florida’s citrus industry continues to be a critical player in the state’s economy

Despite a decline in citrus production, the Florida citrus industry added more value to the state of Florida in 2019-2020 than the previous season. According to a study conducted by the University of Florida, the Florida citrus industry has had an economic impact of $ 6.762 billion for the state and has supported more than 33,300 jobs.

“Even at a time when many industries faced economic uncertainty, the Florida citrus industry continued to make strong economic contributions to the State of Florida and the many small communities it serves and supports.” said Shannon Shepp, executive director of the Florida Department of Citrus. .

“As consumers have increasingly turned to Florida citrus for their health and wellness benefits in recent months, the Florida citrus industry has delivered the delicious, quality products to which we are known all over the world. While challenges remain, it is clear that the Florida citrus industry continues to create immense value not only for the state, but for all Floridians. “

The report states that the majority of the industry’s value in 2019-2020 came from the manufacturing of citrus juices and by-products at $ 4.741 billion. Citrus production represents $ 1.816 billion and the process of transferring fresh citrus fruit from the producer to the door of the packing plant represents an additional $ 204 million.

The report also shows that the industry supported 33,381 full-time and part-time jobs in 2019-2020 with contributions to labor income amounting to $ 1.531 billion in wages, salaries, benefits and owner incomes. business.

This value results in state and local tax contributions of $ 140 million, including property tax, sales, taxes, district taxes on water management, intangible taxes, fuel taxes and vehicles, excise taxes, etc. Total federal tax contributions were $ 360 million in 2019-2020.

Additionally, citrus juices shipped from Florida to other states and foreign countries were valued at $ 2.731 billion, and some byproducts at $ 59.45 million.

Other economic contributions to the state are experienced in the form of supply chain linkages and household income spending.

While the economic impact to the state is significant, the value is most felt in our rural communities where citrus fruits remain the backbone of the economy, according to Dr. Marisa Zansler, Director of Economic and Market Studies at Florida. Department of Citrus.

“Although the economic contributions of the citrus industry in some rural counties may represent a small portion of these numbers, the results of the study show that their contributions have more impact on the economic health of the region in which they are. are located because these industries represent a higher share of total economic activity, â€Zansler said.

For more information:
Florida Citrus Department
PO Box 9010 Bartow, Florida
33831-9010 United States
Phone. : +1 863-537-3999