QA

Question: Why Can’t Citrus Trees Be Shipped To Florida

We cannot ship CITRUS TREES to any other state BUT Florida due agricultural restrictions.

Can you ship citrus to Florida?

Citrus fruit from Florida is permitted to be shipped to all US states and territories provided it has met all the conditions set forth under the Citrus Canker Quarantine, in addition to: 1.

Is it illegal to grow citrus in Florida?

Citrus: Oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruit can all be grown here in Florida. There are many many varieties that love our climate but all of them are affected by freezes. A huge problem that Florida is facing with citrus is a disease called citrus greening.

Are orange trees illegal in Florida?

Under Florida law, citrus that falls from a tree untouched cannot be sold. Post Reports: A race to save the citrus industry in Florida. As the state prepares for the November to May harvest, thousands of growers have already quit, leaving “ghost groves” in their wake.

Are lemon trees illegal in Florida?

They lost their aromatic, fruit-bearing trees in Florida’s failed plan to eradicate citrus canker. Now they’re allowed to replant, but South Florida residents are torn. Last month, the state lifted the ban on replanting trees in commercial groves in quarantine zones. Mar 8, 2006.

Can you ship citrus fruit?

Fresh oranges make a delicious and healthy gift or memento from a sunny vacation. Fruit can be shipped within the United States through the United States Postal Service or other shippers that provide package-delivery services.

Why are citrus trees in quarantine?

SACRAMENTO, August 5, 2021 – The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has declared a quarantine in north San Diego County following the detection of the citrus disease Huanglongbing (HLB), or citrus greening, in two citrus trees on one residential property in the city of Oceanside.

Why are Meyer lemons illegal?

Their fruit is has thin skins and they’re less tart than other lemon varieties. Originally brought over from China in the early 1900, the Meyer lemon was found to carry a virus that killed off millions of citrus, so it was banned in California.

Do lemon trees do well in Florida?

Lemons and limes are acid citrus fruit with lower pH that are best suited to South Florida. However, ‘Meyer’ lemon on hardy rootstock is a more cold-tolerant variety. Meyer’s large fruit ripens between November to March.

Why don t oranges grow in South Florida?

Some of the causes for this decline can be attributed to multiple factors which include: the destructive citrus greening disease, impact from hurricane devastation, and steady development and urban pressure of the growing human population in South Florida.

What happened to Florida citrus?

Citrus greening is a bacterial disease carried and spread by an Asian insect that kills both fruit and trees, dealing Florida’s signature crop a devastating blow. Previously, sales of citrus juices declined as non-juice energy drinks grew in popularity.

What happened to Florida oranges?

Florida’s orange crops have been on a decline for over 20 years due to bacterial threats and other diseases impacting the state’s orange groves, called citrus greening. In the 2018 to 2019 season, orange production grew from 44.95 million to 71.75 million, but again declined by the end of the next season in 2020.

Is citrus greening still a problem?

Citrus greening, or Huanglongbing disease, HLB, is the most devastating disease for orange and grapefruit trees in the U.S. Prevention and treatment methods have proven elusive, and a definitive cure does not exist. Since HLB was detected in Florida in 2005, Florida’s citrus production has fallen by 80%.

Can you take citrus trees out of Florida?

No citrus plants, fruit, equipment or items made with citrus (such as floral arrangements, wreaths, potpourri or seasonings like kaffir lime leaves) may be moved from quarantined areas. Not only are you risking spreading citrus diseases by transporting citrus outside of these areas, but it’s also against the law.

When should I buy citrus trees?

Ideally, buy your citrus trees in the Spring, especially if the trees are young and you’re inexperienced in growing them. It’s fine buying in the Fall but consider how many weeks it’ll be before you’ll bring them indoors.

What is citrus quarantine?

California expands local quarantine to halt citrus disease spread by aphid-like bug. The Asian citrus psyllid spreads citrus greening disease, which is lethal to citrus trees. The quarantine forbids movement of fruit, citrus plants or foliage, but the fruit can be consumed on properties where it was grown.

Is it legal to send fruit through the mail?

Fresh fruits and vegetables are nonmailable unless presented in a dry (not dried) condition. Other perishable foods that are capable of easily decomposing or that cannot reach their destination without spoiling are nonmailable.

How do you pack citrus for mailing?

1 Place fruit in sturdy cardboard. Place fruit in sturdy cardboard, wood or polystyrene box with a gel pad or dry ice pack. 2 Secure fruit. 3 Wrap the entire sealed box. 4 Label the package. 5 Alert. 6 Mail the package from the post office.

Is it legal to mail lemons?

Hard-skinned fruits such as apples, pears, grapefruits, lemons, oranges, cherries and apricots work best for shipping as they tend to bruise less. Soft fruits such as peaches and plums can be sent, though extra packaging care must be taken.