"Devastating Disease and Climate Crisis Drive Orange Juice Prices to Record Highs"
Orange juice prices in the US are expected to rise further as a bacterial disease and extreme weather, exacerbated by climate change, have devastated this season's crop. Florida, which produces over 90% of the country's orange juice supply, was hit by hurricanes and freezing conditions, leading to a significant decline in orange production. The incurable citrus greening disease, spread by an invasive insect, has also rendered fruit unusable, causing some producers to give up farming. Futures prices for frozen concentrated orange juice have doubled in the last year and could rise further, leading to warnings of price surges on store shelves. The impact of climate change on orange production is not limited to the US, as other major producers like Brazil, Spain, Italy, and Asian countries are also experiencing challenges.