By Ruth Borger
It is time for a new year, and many of us cannot see 2020 end fast enough. It is almost time for 2021, and there is a lot to be hopeful for. New vaccines to fight the coronavirus hold great potential for beating the pandemic. U.S. citrus sales so far this season continue to show strong performance.
I gave up making the traditional New Year’s resolutions of losing weight and exercising more a long time ago, but here are some easy resolutions to make of a more professional kind:
- Listen to the All In For Citrus podcast. This monthly podcast is a quick and easy listen (30 minutes or less) and offers insights into what University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers are working on. Hearing scientists explain their work is both informative and encouraging.
- Visit citrusresearch.ifas.ufl.edu more often. This is a great site for news, presentations and all sorts of information from UF/IFAS research and education centers. It’s a one-stop shop for the latest news.
- Check out the UF/IFAS Extension citrus agents’ website. This is another great place for information, including earning continuing education units.
- Follow UF/IFAS citrus research and education centers on social media. The Citrus Research and Education Center, Indian River Research and Education Center and the Southwest Florida Research and Education Center all have Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. Chose any or all to follow and check in on them occasionally. Lots of great news, videos and even some fun facts are shared there.
- Sign up for the monthly UF/IFAS statewide citrus newsletter. It’s easy, and you can do it here.
- Be an advocate for citrus and share information about its many uses in addition to juice and fresh fruit. Citrus is widely used in cooking, soaps, scents, oils, etc. You can also let your state legislators know how much you appreciate their continued support for citrus research. Sending a quick email of appreciation for their financial support of UF/IFAS research and the Citrus Research and Development Foundation always helps. You can find your Florida state senator here and Florida state representative here.
- Say thank you more. It is a little phrase that carries a big impact. Acknowledging someone (especially staff members and fellow team members) for anything that they do — even just for showing up — can make a huge difference in someone’s day.
- Be positive. Together, we are moving forward in finding workable solutions to fight citrus greening. We are making progress.
Ruth Borger is a communications specialist at the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred.