Reviving Florida’s Soil: The Rise of the Pongamia Tree
As Florida’s once-thriving citrus industry has declined due to diseases and climate issues, a new crop is emerging to fill the gap: the pongamia tree. This climate-resilient tree, native to India, Southeast Asia, and Australia, has the potential to provide the nation with renewable energy and sustainable biofuel.
What is the Pongamia Tree?
The pongamia tree is a wild tree that produces legumes, which are bitter and inedible to wild hogs. Unlike citrus trees, pongamia trees don’t require much attention, fertilizer, or pesticides. They can thrive in drought or rainy conditions and don’t need teams of workers to pick the beans. A machine simply shakes the tiny beans from the branches when they are ready to harvest.
Why Florida?
Florida offers a rare opportunity for Terviva, a San Francisco-based company, and former citrus farmers. The historical decline of the citrus industry has left farmers without a crop that can grow profitably on hundreds of thousands of acres, and there needs to be a scalable replacement. Pongamia is the perfect fit.
Pongamia vs. Citrus
Citrus had been Florida’s premier crop for years until disease caught up with it starting in the 1990s with citrus canker and later greening. Citrus canker is a bacterial disease that causes lesions on the fruit, stems, and leaves, eventually making the trees unproductive. Citrus greening, also known as Huanglongbing, slowly kills trees and degrades the fruit. The disease has spread throughout Florida, devastating countless groves and reducing citrus production by 75%.
The Rise of Pongamia
John Olson, who owns Circle O Ranch, west of Fort Pierce, has replaced his grapefruit groves with 215 acres of pongamia trees. "We went through all the ups and downs of citrus and eventually because of greening, abandoned citrus production," Olson said. "For the most part, the citrus industry has died in Florida."
What Food Products Does Pongamia Produce?
The research is ongoing, but Edwards said they have made really good graham crackers in addition to the table oil and other plant-based protein products, including flour and protein bars. Pongamia offers an alternative to soybean and yellow pea protein "if you don’t want your protein to come from meat."
What are Citrus Farmers Saying?
John Olson, who owns Circle O Ranch, west of Fort Pierce, has replaced his grapefruit groves with 215 acres of pongamia trees. "We went through all the ups and downs of citrus and eventually because of greening, abandoned citrus production," Olson said. "For the most part, the citrus industry has died in Florida."
Biofuel: The Future of Energy
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. "Our partnership with Mitsubishi is off to a great start," Sikka said, noting that the company coordinates closely with Mitsubishi on tree plantings and product development and sales. "Terviva’s progress has accelerated thanks to Mitsubishi’s expertise and leadership around the globe on all facets of Terviva’s business."
Conclusion
As Florida’s citrus industry continues to decline, the pongamia tree is emerging as a promising alternative. With its climate-resilient nature and ability to produce sustainable biofuel and plant-based protein products, the pongamia tree has the potential to revitalize the state’s agricultural industry. As farmers like John Olson are discovering, the pongamia tree is a viable option for those looking to transition away from citrus.
FAQs
Q: What is the pongamia tree?
A: The pongamia tree is a wild tree native to India, Southeast Asia, and Australia that produces legumes.
Q: What is the benefit of using pongamia trees instead of citrus trees?
A: Pongamia trees are more climate-resilient and require less maintenance, fertilizer, and pesticides compared to citrus trees.
Q: What kind of products can be made from pongamia beans?
A: Pongamia beans can be used to produce table oil, plant-based protein products, including flour and protein bars, and biofuel.
Q: Is the pongamia tree disease-resistant?
A: Yes, the pongamia tree is resistant to many diseases, including citrus canker and greening.
Q: How does the pongamia tree grow?
A: Pongamia trees can thrive in drought or rainy conditions and don’t need teams of workers to pick the beans. A machine simply shakes the tiny beans from the branches when they are ready to harvest.
Q: Who is working with the pongamia tree?
A: Terviva, a San Francisco-based company, is working with farmers like John Olson to plant and harvest pongamia trees.
Author: fortune.com
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