Explain the importance of the Florida citrus industry to flordia and the United States

The state produces more oranges than any other region of the world, except Brazil, and leads the world in grapefruit production. All told, the citrus industry generates more than $8.6 billion in economic activity in Florida. As such, the citrus industry plays an important role in the life of every Floridian. The history of citrus stretches farther back into time than what is contained in the story of Florida's citrus industry. The earliest references to oranges are to be found in ancient Chinese manuscripts and documents, with one such notation appearing in a written record dated about 2200 B. C. Florida produces more than 70 percent of the United States' supply of citrus, with major overseas export markets including Canada, Japan, France and the U. K.