Lake County citrus growers remain optimistic as Cutrale plant in Leesburg prepares to close

Citrus growers say they are still hopeful about the future of their businesses as it was announced this week that Cutrale Citrus Juices USA's plant in Leesburg will be closing in the coming months with the laying off of 117 workers.

“Florida’s citrus industry has made notable strides toward increasing its production over last year. This month’s revised estimate of 17.8 million boxes of oranges is 1.95 million more than the 15.85 million boxes of oranges at the end of the 2022-23 citrus harvest,” Florida Citrus Mutual reported in a May 10 press release.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, however, lowered its estimate by 1 million boxes.

Matt Joyner, executive vice president and CEO of the growers’ association, said “growers remain optimistic. Given the impacts of citrus greening and the destruction caused by Hurricane Ian, growers need the grace of time to rebuild.”

"It's a big deal":Cutrale orange juice plant to close and layoff 117 employees in Leesburg

Ian pummeled Florida in September 2022, one of a series of storms that damaged citrus crops. Hurricane Irma in 2017 tore through orange groves. The USDA projected 54 million boxes but Florida Citrus Mutual was forecasting 31 million.

At its peak, during the 1997-1998 season, the citrus industry produced 244 million boxes of oranges.

Hurricane season officially begins June 1.

Growers have deployed new treatments to combat the plant disease called greening, said Joyner, adding that 2,000-grower organizations were awaiting the signing of legislation by Gov. Ron DeSantis calling for $47 million for research. Funding includes $18 million for citrus treatments.