US: Study shows true value of citrus to Florida economy

The Florida citrus industry has certainly seen sunnier days. But despite ongoing challenges in production, the sector still shines bright and contributed more value to the state in 2019-2020 than the previous season. According to a study conducted by the University of Florida, the local citrus industry had an economic impact of $6.762 billion to the state .The report indicates a majority of the industry’s value in 2019-2020 came from the manufacturing of citrus juice and byproducts at $4.741 billion. Citrus fruit production accounts for $1.816 billion and the process of moving fresh citrus from grower to the packinghouse door accounts for another $204 million. The report also shows the industry supported 33,381 full-time and part-time jobs in 2019-2020 with labor income contributions amounting to $1.531 billion in wages, salaries, benefits, and business proprietor income. This value leads to state and local tax contributions of $140 million, including property tax, sales, tax, ...