One of Florida’s leading citrus growers, Alico, Inc., is set to transform its business model by developing a 3,000-acre community in southwest Florida. This decision comes shortly after the company announced it would cease its citrus-growing operations at the conclusion of the current season. Alico has submitted a development application for the first of two planned villages near the juncture of Collier, Lee, and Hendry counties. Each village is expected to feature approximately 4,500 homes, complemented by 6,000 acres of protected conservation land.
Based in Fort Myers, Alico, Inc. holds extensive property, owning 53,371 acres across eight Florida counties and an additional 48,700 acres of oil, gas, and mineral rights within the state. The decision to end citrus production was driven by a significant decline in output, with production dropping nearly 75% over the past decade. This mirrors broader challenges in Florida’s citrus industry, where hurricanes and citrus greening disease have led to a 90% decrease in orange production over the last 20 years. As Florida experiences a population boom, there is a growing trend of residential developments replacing former orange groves.
Once flourishing with more than 832,000 acres of citrus groves at the start of the 21st century, Florida’s citrus lands have dwindled to approximately 275,000 acres last year. Consequently, California has surpassed Florida as the leading citrus producer in the United States.
Impact on Daily Life
The transition by Alico, Inc. from citrus farming to residential development reflects larger shifts affecting Florida’s economy and landscape. This development is likely to have several implications for local communities and the environment. With the construction of new villages, there may be increased demand for local infrastructure, including roads, schools, and public services, which could lead to improvements in community facilities and services.
However, the shift from agriculture to housing development also raises concerns about environmental impacts. While the integration of conservation land is a positive step, the loss of agricultural space could affect local ecosystems and biodiversity. Additionally, the influx of new residents may influence the local economy, bringing opportunities for businesses and employment while also potentially increasing living costs and altering community dynamics.
