[Liberty911]

Florida is one of the nations leading orange growing states. I would expect to find a surplus of oranges available at Publics. In other states it is not uncommon to find people selling 10 lb bags of oranges for $2-3.00. Why is it that oranges and other fruit / vegitables are do dang expensive in Florida when they are native?

[ex-floridian]

Good question! Here's one answer

from http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FE531

Rapid expansion and integration of international trade, increased tourism, and changes in methods of production in recent decades have increased the introduction of invasive species to U.S. (United States) agriculture. Invasive species can have adverse environmental and/or economic impacts when introduced into a region. Economic impacts include marketing, production, and trade implications.

One such invasive species imposing adverse economic impacts to the Florida citrus industry is a bacterial disease known as citrus canker (caused by Xanthomonas axanopodis pv. citri). Citrus canker causes lesions on the leaves, stems, and fruit of citrus trees. The disease adversely affects the proportion of fruit intended for the fresh market, serves to weaken citrus trees, and leads to a reduction in yields and higher costs of production.

The Citrus Canker Eradication Program (CCEP) was implemented in the mid-1990s in an attempt to establish guidelines for averting the spread of the disease. Currently there is no biological or chemical cure for citrus canker. All infected trees and citrus trees within a radius of 1900 feet of an infected tree must be eradicated (1900-foot rule). On-site decontamination of grove workers, field equipment, and packinghouses is also mandatory........

[bamboosmom]

Let's stop eatting oranges now!!! Let's put our foot down! Gosh, everything is going up!!!! Not salaries though. Time to start a revolution people!

[Spookmeister]

Transportation and distribution add to the cost of produce. Just stop by one of those little kiosks on the side of the road and you'll pay less.

[ex-floridian]

The #2 reason stated in the article for the high price of citrus is "increased tourism". STOP THE TOURISM AND SPREAD OF DISEASE! Stay up north!

Oh, that probably isn't the kind of revolution you meant, was it?

[mystree]

lol bam

I know quite a few properties I've seen have numerous fruit trees..good question

[mystree]

The #2 reason stated in the article for the high price of citrus is "increased tourism". STOP THE TOURISM AND SPREAD OF DISEASE! Stay up north!

Definately has to be a better solution than that. lol

[mystree]

Let's stop eatting oranges now!!! Let's put our foot down! Gosh, everything is going up!!!! Not salaries though. Time to start a revolution people!

Ummmmm ok....I won't eat em,I'll just drink em

[Dee2e]

I haven't bought oranges, grapefruit, lemons, limes or pineapples in years. I grow them! I have no clue what they cost!

[pslOldTimer]

I'm pretty far from an expert, and I didn't stay at any Inn last night, but I can take a guess. I'd say it depends on the time of year. Fresh fruit is very seasonal. If you buy oranges at Publix at the wrong time of year, you're paying to have them shipped in from California or South America. The price may be lower during our season.

I don't generally buy fruit, but as an example, I notice that the price of an ear of corn varies from 10 cents to more than 50 cents or even $1, depending on the time of year.