With citrus in peril, entrepreneurs and researchers turn to a new crop

While the orange is still king, some Florida business owners and researchers foresee a new crop in Florida's future: tea. The road ahead involves more homework and a full cup of patience.

  • By Grier Ferguson
  • | 6:00 a.m. May 25, 2018
  • | 0 Free Articles Remaining!
Courtesy, Brantlee Richter. University of Florida plant pathology graduate student James Orrock in the field with tea plants university researchers are performing tests on.
Courtesy, Brantlee Richter. University of Florida plant pathology graduate student James Orrock in the field with tea plants university researchers are performing tests on.
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When people think of Florida agriculture, most think of citrus.

For generations, oranges and grapefruit have been the pride of the Sunshine State. But citrus greening — along with damage from hurricanes and other storms — has hit the industry hard for over a decade.

 

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