2025 Pick Event is CANCELLED

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 29, 2025

SNOWY JANUARY PUTS FREEZE ON BATON ROUGE CITRUS

BATON ROUGE, LA — For the first time since 2014, Baton Rouge Green will not hold its annual Pick Event to harvest citrus fruit in December from residents’ satsuma, grapefruit, lemon and orange trees for the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank.

Reports from home citrus tree owners across the area confirm what Baton Rouge Green arborists already suspected: that most citrus trees didn’t survive the remarkable snowfall and 7-degree temperatures seen this past January, with residents receiving 8 to 9 inches of snow that remained on the ground for several days. Those trees that survived are not producing fruit as of yet.

“Growing citrus in Louisiana has sadly become nearly impossible, if not cost prohibitive. What was one of our quintessential Louisiana foods has lost the reliability we have long enjoyed. Our winters have become less reliable and more unpredictable, which is simply not compatible with growing citrus. At Baton Rouge Green our fruit tree planting and harvesting is evolving, and we are diversifying our selections to continue providing for our community into the future. “says Christopher Cooper, Director of Operations and Lead Arborist for the non-profit.

Each December since 2014 Baton Rouge Green has trained, equipped and deployed volunteer pickers to carefully harvest the fruit without damaging trees, and then transport the fruit to the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. The fruit is then distributed to the Food Bank’s pantries across the region. Since beginning the effort, The Pick Event has harvested more than 40,000 pounds of fresh citrus fruit for the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. In most cases, this fruit would have gone to waste.

“We are obviously disappointed that our most beloved volunteer event of the year isn’t possible for 2025. Our hope is for a more fruitful 2026!” said Sage Foley, Baton Rouge Green’s Executive Director.

Area residents who do have fruit trees bearing citrus that they cannot harvest or consume, Baton Rouge Green staff and apprentices may be able to schedule a harvesting visit. To inquire, please contact Winston Horton at winston@batonrougegreen.com or call the office at 381-0037.

#SHARETHEFRUIT