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Comprehensive Plan Introductory Element Migrant Labor Historically, agriculture, generally, and citrus production, specifically, has played a key role in the Indian River County economy. Due to the decline of the citrus industry, however, citrus's role in the local economy is diminishing. According to a September 10, 2004 farmworker housing report prepared for the Florida Housing Finance Corporation by the Shimberg Center for Affordable Housing, there were 1,696 migrant farm laborers within the county in 2002. In addition to the 1,696 migrant farm laborers, there were 240 household members that accompanied migrant farm laborers. While those figures appear to be low considering the agricultural segment of the economy, several factors were identified which support this figure. One factor is that migrant labor camps in the county are currently licensed for only 570 persons. Another factor is that many seasonal farm laborers are year-round county residents. The final factor is that during peak season many laborers are bussed into the county on a daily basis from neighboring counties with higher numbers of migrant labor facilities. It is assumed that the number of migrant laborers will further decline in years to come due to the spreading of citrus canker and citrus greening in Indian River County. Citrus canker is a bacterial disease that causes premature leaf and fruit drop. Citrus greening, also a bacterial disease, causes citrus trees to produce bitter misshaped fruit and kills trees over the course of a couple of years. According to the Indian River Citrus League, a portion of the county's citrus is infected with canker, but at very low incidence. Through time, however, the incidence of infection will continue to increase. The Indian River Citrus League also estimates that the incidence of citrus greening within Indian River County will increase over time. The spread of these diseases will depend on weather conditions, and grove management practices. Although citrus canker and citrus greening will be present, it is estimated that the citrus industry will remain profitable, although infected trees will have to be removed and replacement trees will have to be planted on a reoccurring basis until cures can be found for the two diseases. As the two diseases spread and as infected trees are removed, production will decline. It is estimated by the Indian River Citrus League that the effects of these two diseases will continue to reduce the amount of citrus acreage within the County. In 2008, that amount was 39,013 acres. With the decline in the citrus acreage, the Indian River Citrus League also estimates that the migrant labor work force will decline to 1/2 of its 2002 size. Consequently, it can be expected that there will be approximately 968 migrant laborers within the County at the point that the County reaches 30,000 acres of citrus (1,936/2 = 968 migrant laborers). Community Development Department Indian River County 27