Valley citrus farmers face a host of challenges in changing economy

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Victoria Pelham

CITRUS

Not yet harvest time, navel oranges are still green at Verde Oro Farms in Mesa. Although the citrus market in Arizona has stabilized, grapefruit and orange production has been on the decline.

Victoria Pelham

CITRUS

Don Shaw, owner of Verde Oro Farms, has grown citrus orchards in Arizona for nearly five decades. But citrus farming isn't was it used to be, he says.

Victoria Pelham

CITRUS

Just a month shy from picking season, the crop of navel organges managed by Verde Oro Farms has not yet turned. The U.S. Department of Agriculture hasn't tallied the production of orange and grapefruit in its totals for the state since the 2008-2009 growing season.

Tim Hacker

Mesa Citrus Growers

The Mesa Citrus Growers packing plant in Mesa is closing its doors.

Tim Hacker

Mesa Citrus Growers

An old undated photo courtesy of the Mesa Citrus Growers showing the packing plant in operation in Mesa.

Tim Hacker

Mesa Citrus Growers

An old undated photo courtesy of the Mesa Citrus Growers showing the packing plant in operation in Mesa.

Tim Hacker

Mesa Citrus Growers

An old undated photo courtesy of the Mesa Citrus Growers showing the packing plant in operation in Mesa.