Alico Inc. Exits Citrus Farming to Focus on US Real Estate

Alico Inc. is winding down its citrus farming operations to reposition itself as a diversified Florida land and real-estate company.

This strategic shift marks a departure from traditional agriculture after environmental and biological crises made citrus production uneconomic. By pivoting to leasing and development, the company aims to unlock the latent value of its extensive land holdings in the U.S. state.

The decision follows significant financial strain. Citrus greening disease and damage from hurricanes resulted in annual losses of $30 million per year for two straight years ^[1]. These losses prompted the company to announce a strategic transformation in 2025 to move away from the volatile citrus market.

As part of this transition, Alico has already begun liquidating specific assets. On Jan. 15, 2026, the company closed a land sale totaling $26.8 million ^[2]. This transaction involved the sale of approximately 2,950 acres ^[2]. Following the sale, the company reported that its agricultural utilization reached 97% ^[2].

The company is now focusing on selective land sales and development projects. One primary effort is the Corkscrew Grove Villages project, which spans 4,600 acres ^[3]. This development is a cornerstone of the new business model, moving the company toward a real-estate-centric portfolio.

Analysts said that the transition could lead to significant valuation increases. Some estimates indicate that land values could see a five- to 10-fold increase upon receiving final approvals ^[3]. The company's new strategy emphasizes leasing and strategic development over the risks associated with crop production.