Florida's response to the presence of oriental fruit fly has forced some of the state's growers to shutter production for parts of this year. For some guava growers, the quarantine has been a burden, but there is the promise of good prices next year.
Guava production in Florida has been halted quarantine areas around the Redlands region of the state. It won't be until at least February when growers can resume operations. Production had been on the rise in recent years, but necessary steps to eradicate the fruit fly have taken a toll on that.
Increasing production over the years leveled off prices, but with the recent quarantine, growers could see better prices when harvesting resumes next year. One local grower believes that, because no one has had guava for a long time, prices in February will start off high. With no major storms affecting production, growers that can get a good start next year will likely encounter a favorable market.
