Citrus is a new crop for Georgia, one that’s taking root thanks to the combined forces of climate change, crop science and - unfortunately - disease in Florida. Although that citrus powerhouse is just to the south, historically it’s been just enough colder in Georgia to discourage farmers from growing citrus. Freezing was considered too big a risk, a threat that could take out the fruit just as it’s ripening.
But a new citrus industry in Georgia is growing rapidly. There were very few citrus trees in the state a decade ago. Now, there are more than 500,000 trees across nearly 4,000 acres.
The burgeoning industry faced its biggest test yet last winter. Around Christmas, citrus trees in southern Georgia had to weather six days below freezing. Many of their leaves shriveled up and died. By January, the frigid air had killed limbs and split huge wounds into trunks and branches, weakening them permanently. Farmers worried the freeze could hurt their new crop.
The cold-hardy citrus region endured another test of Mother Nature on Wednesday with Hurricane Idalia moving through the Southeast. One industry expert is optimistic that the area’s trees survived this latest challenge.
Grower Lindy Savelle, president of the Georgia Citrus Association and member of the Georgia Citrus Commission: “I am happy to report that citrus in Georgia appears to have fared very well. While there were significant winds, none of the fruit was lost from the trees, and we are hopeful the fruit is undamaged."
Source: grist.org
