Florida grower answers $8-a-gallon orange juice complaint: 'We just pushed up our last grove'

A Reddit post comparing $8-a-gallon orange juice with gas prices turned into a broader discussion about the health crisis facing Florida citrus. A self-described grower said citrus greening, or HLB, has devastated the industry, leaving fruit green and bitter, damaging leaves, and causing trees to die earlier than normal. The grower said they once had multiple groves and a packing house but no longer cultivate citrus, adding: “We just pushed up our last grove.” Other contributors pointed to data suggesting sharp declines, including a USDA crop estimate of roughly 10 million boxes in October 2026 and claims that the market has shrunk by about 90% over time. The thread also noted fewer immediate relief options, with some discussing increased reliance on imports.