The freeze that occurred last January was a big test for Georgia’s developing citrus industry, which is taking root thanks to the combined forces of climate change, crop science and disease in Florida. There were very few citrus trees in Georgia a decade ago. Now, there are more than 500,000 trees across nearly 4,000 acres. Those farmers worried this freeze could hurt their new crop.
Though citrus giant Florida is just to the south, historically it’s been just cold enough in Georgia to discourage citrus growers. Freezing was considered too big a risk, a threat that could take out a crop just as it’s ripening. However, climate change is heating up winters especially fast.
The average winter temperature in Albany, Georgia, has risen 6.5 degrees since 1970, according to the research non-profit Climate Central. That means fewer sustained freezes, making Georgia increasingly fertile ground for citrus.
Source: wabe.org
