Citrus Nursery 2024 Survey: What 30 Growers Told Us—and Why Your Voice Matters

Deborah Pagliaccia
Mar 21
3 min read

Updated: May 20

Illegal online plant sales that undercut certified nurseries. State and federal rules that don’t line up. New pests knocking at the greenhouse door.These are just a few of the pain points that surfaced when 30 members of the National Citrus Nursery Association (NCNA) completed our year-end industry survey. Their responses paint a vivid picture of today’s challenges and reveal clear opportunities to work smarter, speak with one voice, and protect clean citrus stock.

Below is a lightning-round tour of the findings—enough to whet your appetite, but brief enough to read with your morning coffee. Dive into the full 24-page report when you’re ready for the data tables, open-response highlights, and “aha” charts.

Click here to take the survey and share your experience!

1. Illegal Online Sales: Top of Mind

More than 60 % of respondents are extremely worried about uncertified citrus plants sold through marketplaces and social-media swaps. Their wishlist is loud and clear: a national e-commerce certification, a single “USDA-approved citrus” logo, and tougher policing of rogue vendors.(Key insight: smart labelling + public awareness = level playing field.)

2. Protocols Must Breathe

Over 90 % flagged Huanglongbing (HLB) and Asian Citrus Psyllid as existential threats. Growers want the Citrus Nursery Certification Protocol (CNCP) to function as a “living document,” updated quickly when new pests emerge without adding red tape.

3. One Set of Rules, Please

Six in ten nurseries juggle conflicting state and federal requirements, paying twice for tags and waiting longer for shipments. An overwhelming 83 % say harmonisation is “very” or “extremely” important.

4. Small Nurseries Need a Hand

Half of respondents rated current outreach to new or boutique growers as only “slightly” effective. Their biggest hurdles? Complex protocols, tight budgets, and plain old information overload. Workshops, email blasts, and mentorship programmes ranked as the best fixes.

5. Diversification Is Hot—Capital Isn’t

Three-quarters are exploring new crops, online markets, or value-added products. Yet 62 % cite financing as the brick wall, and 42 % worry about extra compliance hoops. Success stories from peers (think tolerant rootstocks + non-citrus ornamentals) show promise when diversification anticipates—not chases—regulation.

6. Strong on Prevention, Frustrated by Recertification

Most nurseries invest heavily in screens, staff training, and routine testing. However, after a breach, nearly 70 % describe USDA recertification as opaque and unfair. They’re calling for a time-bounded, science-based pathway—“show me the clean tests, let me ship again.”

7. Eyes on New Tech…and the Price Tag

Two-thirds believe real-time insect sensors and probability-based risk models could revolutionise monitoring. The catch? Up-front costs and the tech skill gap. Growers want validation studies—and clear regulatory acceptance—before taking the plunge.

8. Crop Insurance—Big Potential, Tiny Awareness

Four in ten have never heard of the USDA Controlled-Environment Pilot Crop Insurance Program, yet 70 % want to learn more. Eligibility rules and premium costs top the question list.

Why We Still Need Your Perspective

Thirty voices laid the groundwork, but the industry’s strength is in numbers—and diverse production realities. Have you faced a post-breach maze? Lost sales to shady online listings? Cracked the code on diversification? Your story could change the conversation in Washington and Sacramento. With further collaboration, expanded outreach, and ongoing policy refinement, we can secure a stronger, healthier future for all citrus nurseries.

Read the full report – it’s packed with charts, open-response gems, and five “quick-win” action ideas.
Take (or retake) the survey – We'd love to hear from you! If you haven't yet, please contribute your thoughts and experiences to our ongoing survey. Your feedback will help form the unified voice of citrus nursery growers. We’ve kept it open so new data can refine the findings.
Share the link with fellow growers, suppliers, and extension agents. More data today means smarter policy tomorrow.