North Florida’s citrus industry has been battling declining yields and profitability due to the devastating impacts of diseases such as greening and citrus canker. However, a new ray of hope seems to be emerging with a resilient tree from India, the Pongamia tree.
The New Hope: Pongamia Tree
The Pongamia tree, native to India, Southeast Asia, and Australia, is being recognized for its potential to rejuvenate the state’s struggling citrus industry. Unlike citrus trees, Pongamia trees require minimal care and can thrive in both drought and rainy conditions. They do not need fertilizer or pesticides, and their beans can be harvested using machinery, reducing the need for manual labor.
Terviva, a San Francisco-based company, has patented a process to remove the bitterness from the Pongamia beans, turning them into a source for food production. As stated by Naveen Sikka, the founder of Terviva, “Florida offers a rare opportunity for both Terviva and former citrus farmers.”
Benefits of Pongamia
Several benefits make Pongamia a strong contender to replace citrus as a primary crop in Florida:
- Pongamia trees are climate-resilient and require minimal care.
- The beans of the Pongamia tree can be used to produce plant-based proteins and a sustainable biofuel.
- They support local biodiversity by providing food for bees and other pollinators.
- An acre of Pongamia trees can potentially produce the same amount of oil as four acres of soybeans.
Florida, with its suitable climate and vast acres of land left vacant by the declining citrus industry, presents an ideal environment for Pongamia to flourish.
Pongamia vs. Citrus
The citrus industry has been the backbone of Florida’s agriculture for many years. However, the onslaught of citrus canker and greening diseases has significantly impacted the industry. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that greening has reduced citrus production by 75%. On top of that, unpredictable weather events like Hurricane Ian have caused immense damage to the industry.
Unlike citrus, Pongamia trees are highly resilient to both disease and climate changes. According to Ron Edwards, chairman of Terviva’s board of directors, “It’s just tough, a jungle-tested tree.”
What are Citrus Farmers Saying?
Many citrus farmers, like John Olson of Circle O Ranch, have already replaced their citrus groves with Pongamia trees. Olson shares, “We went through all the ups and downs of citrus and eventually because of greening, abandoned citrus production.”
Pongamia: A Source of Biofuel
Pongamia trees are not only a source of food but also a potential source of biofuel. In December 2023, Terviva signed an agreement with Mitsubishi Corporation to provide biofuel feedstock that can be converted into biodiesel, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel.
Food Products Derived from Pongamia
The Pongamia tree offers a sustainable alternative for food production. After the oil is extracted from the Pongamia beans, the remaining substance can be used to create a high-grade protein. This protein can be used as a substitute in baking and smoothies and other plant-based protein products.
The future of Florida’s agriculture may well lie in the hands of the humble Pongamia tree. Its resilience, versatility, and potential for sustainable food and fuel production make it a promising choice for the state’s struggling citrus industry.
