Highlights From California’s Citrus Showcase

Josh McGill California Corner, Events

Many growers and industry partners attended the 2023 Citrus Showcase in early March, California Citrus Mutual (CCM) reported.

Citrus Showcase

The trade show was sold out with more than 100 industry partners exhibiting the latest in citrus industry technology, research and products.

The event started with a panel discussion on the state of the citrus industry. Panel members included Al Bates, president of Sun Pacific Shippers; Zak Laffite, president of Wonderful Citrus; Jim Phillips, president of Sunkist Growers; and Tracey Jones, chief operating officer of Booth Ranches. The discussion was moderated by CCM Chief Executive Officer/President Casey Creamer. Panelists discussed the outlook for next year’s crop, pricing, imports, the effect of inflation on growers and packers, consumer preferences, and the importance of good communication between growers, packers and marketers.

Continuing education courses included seminars on labor laws and pest and disease management. They were well attended.

The sold-out industry lunch featured keynote speaker Gregg Doud, vice president of global situational awareness and chief economist with Aimpoint Research, and former chief agricultural negotiator in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. Doud discussed global supply and demand and the effect China’s economy has on the U.S. agricultural industry. He also offered insight into how growers will need to adapt to keep up with a rapidly changing world, and how technology will be the key.

The day wrapped up with a water panel discussion. Panelists included Jason Phillips, chief executive officer, Friant Water Authority; Jon Parker, general manager, Kern Water Bank; Joe Del Bosque, farmer and former California Water Commission member; and Tim Quinn, former executive director of the Association of California Water Agencies and Metropolitan Water District deputy general manager. While the panelists had differing views on the complex issue of water management, all agreed that the only way to move forward was through collaboration and revisions to outdated water regulations. Panelists agreed that collaborative groups such as the Water Blueprint are key in fixing California’s water issues.

Source: California Citrus Mutual

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