Citrus boom after 25 years

Days gone by, during the height of the citrus boom, Florida was once known around the world for it's succulent citrus fruits. Albeit, changing times slowly exchanged citrus groves for real estate development over the last 25 years.

During these unusual times of recession, an unusual phenomenon has occurred, instead of selling citrus trees, one of the oldest families is now buying trees. For the last two decades, groves were more valuable for development than for harvesting fruit.

In a climate were analysts encourage residents to rent instead of buy real estate, it's a sign of just how low real estate values have fallen.

Today, buying land in centrally located areas is real bargain as evidenced by the recent purchase of 2,342 acres of prime land by the Heller Bros. Packing Corp.

Some citrus growers are increasing their land up to 50% putting them squarely back on par with their growing potentials 25 years ago.

Since the state will experienced negative growth for several years, citrus growers are capitalizing on the moment.

Likewise, tree diseases has long dogged orange gove owners but now that new technological advance offer way to combat disease gives owners an optimistic outlook for the near future.

Some of these growers are hoping that changing times will help them climb back to being a top industry in the years to come.

At any rate, it certainly puts the Orange County citrus institution back into the game.