– Citrus industry in south Louisiana faces various challenges
– High incidence of natural disasters like hurricanes, floods, and freeze harms production
– Salt water now poses a new threat to citrus groves
– Decline in the number of commercial citrus growers over past decades
Louisiana Citrus Farmers Under Siege
In the sunshine state of Louisiana, squeezed between a rock and hard place, are the citrus growers. Over the past few decades, there has been a decrease in the number of commercial citrus growers in the region, courtesy of a relentless onslaught of environmental challenges.
Drive Against Nature’s Fury
The trials of the Louisiana citrus industry began with the wrath of nature. Hurricanes and floods wreaked havoc, followed by the trauma of freezing winters and periods of drought. These extreme weather conditions tested the resilience of the citrus farmers and their groves, causing a significant drop in production.
New Threat- Saltwater Intrusion
Just when one would assume that Mother Nature had exhausted her ammunition, a fresh challenge emerged – a salt water wedge. This latest environmental threat has the potential, if not managed, to turn citrus groves into desolate land, unviable for any agriculture. Salt water intrusion, a common consequence of floods and rising sea levels, has severe impacts on the health and productivity of citrus groves.
The citrus industry of south Louisiana is fighting one battle after another to thrive, and it’s outcome remains uncertain. The green hands of the farmers, once abundant with fruits, are now clutching at straws, with winds of change challenging their survival.
The Breezy Take
The situation in south Louisiana paints a sober picture of the plight that agriculture sector is facing. It is not a stand-alone case, but an indicator of the larger reality around climate change and its impacts. Survival of the crop-based industry is becoming challenging with the constant environmental shifts that adversely affect productivity. More importantly, it calls for a strategic approach where effective mitigation measures are developed to tackle such threats in the future. It is a clarion call to secure the future of food, one citrus grove at a time.
Original article: https://apnews.com/video/louisiana-environmental-conservation-stephen-smith-droughts-kim-dillon-5053108e9a02494780b217d0a7fc72c6