Gulf Citrus Growers Association shuts down

Author: David Dorsey, Gulfshore Business
Published: Updated:
Credit: Getty Images

Gulf Citrus Growers Association disbanded May 10 after almost 40 years of existence, including the past seven years that were filled with devastating blows to the citrus industry across Southwest Florida. 

“During our peak, we would have been over 100,000 acres,” association President Wayne Simmons said of the 2005-10 peak of land being used to farm citrus in Southwest Florida. “We’re down to less than 25,000 acres.” 

The association’s closure means farmers across the region no longer have a group that can provide them support with local governments in lobbying for citrus-friendly public policies. 

Growers had to pay $2 per acre per year in dues to the association. Even that became too much of a burden, Simmons said. 

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