Tucked into the sandy soils of South Georgia, where the heat kisses the citrus leaves and the seasons push the limits of cultivation, lies a citrus farm unlike any other. Known affectionately as Squeeze Citrus, this regenerative operation embodies a bold vision: food as medicine, flavor as revelation, and soil as sacred.
In a recent visit with the farmer behind the orchard, I unearthed not only citrus trees teeming with life but also an entire philosophy rooted in healing—of people, land, and the broader food system. This grower’s innovative approach challenges the orthodoxy of modern organic farming and offers a blueprint for others hoping to break free from input-heavy, extractive models of industrial farming. Here are the key insights from the grove.
The Core Philosophy: Food That Heals
“Raising food that can heal,” the farmer repeats like a mantra, not just to guests but to the soil, the trees, and the young hands helping prune branches or prep foliar mixes. This isn’t health food in the modern retail sense—it’s a radical return to nutrient-dense, flavor-rich fruit designed to nourish deeply.
The target? 8x the nutritional density of conventional citrus. That’s not marketing fluff. It’s a scientifically supported metric supported by analysis at a USDA Certified Lab comparing Squeeze Citrus with conventional citrus from nearby groves. Along the way, the orchard has unlocked “new flavor compounds you didn’t realize existed”—a serendipitous result of nutrient synergy that surprises even seasoned tasters. “Marvelous taste” is not the goal, but it’s a powerful side effect.
Building a Regenerative System: Soil First, Always
This farmer’s secret is no secret: start with the soil.
“Everything we do begins with the biology beneath our boots,” he says, gesturing to a row of trees alive with pollinators, earthworms, and shimmering ground cover.
The tools of the trade are familiar to regenerative practitioners—but the way they're integrated shows the depth of experience:
Inoculants: High-powered microbial innoculates kickstart biological activity and suppress disease.
Cover Crops: From nitrogen-fixing legumes to flowering species attracting beneficials, every cover crop is chosen with intention.
No-Tillage: Zero disturbance ensures soil structure, mycorrhizal webs, and carbon stores continually build.
Education Through Immersion: Take time to visit other farmers at their operations. The world now shares its information on Podcasts and Youtube.
Looking Ahead: Citrus at the Wood’s Edge?
For growers in transitional or mixed operations, the farm offers a compelling idea: edge planting of citrus using resilient rootstocks like Flying Dragon, paired with hardy Satsuma varieties sourced from Georgia Grown Citrus or Madison Grove Citrus.
The idea is to build microclimates, increase diversity, protect from the cold and turn underused edges into productive zones—blurring the line between agroforestry and orchard.
Conclusion: A Taste of the Future
Squeeze Citrus is more than a farm—it’s a philosophy in practice. It challenges the assumptions of organic certification, champions a systems-first approach, and invites all of us to rethink what food can be.
For farmers seeking a path that heals the land and feeds the soul, this regenerative citrus operation is a living, fruiting example. The trees speak for themselves. So does the flavor.
And if you’re lucky enough to taste it, you won’t forget it. Find him atwww.squeezecitrus.com.