Fort Myers land company shutters citrus production, cuts 170 jobs

Fort Myers agriculture and land giant Alico Inc. is shutting down its citrus production after more than 120 years, citing what it calls changing economic and environment realities.

In a statement Monday morning, the company says its Alico Citrus division has faced increasing financial challenges from citrus greening disease and environmental causes for several years and has “decided to not spend further capital on its citrus operations after the current crop is harvested in 2025.”

The company instead “will focus its resources on creating new opportunities for profitable growth while also acting prudently on behalf of shareholders."