More than 350,000 acres of citrus and specialty crops were represented at this year’s Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo in Tampa, Florida, on Aug. 21–22. These acres represented growers from central and southern Florida, as well as producers from the cold-hardy citrus region of North Florida, South Georgia and South Alabama.
More than 150 exhibitors and sponsors covered the trade show floor over the two-day event at the Florida State Fairgrounds, meeting with and teaching attendees about the latest technological advancements that are designed to ensure growers enjoy short-term profits and long-term sustainability.
The general educational session on the opening day of the event featured big topics touching all growers, including the farm bill and other agricultural policy issues. Industry leaders and University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences researchers led citrus seminar sessions on both days of the event.
View scenes from the 2024 Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo.
The annual show was deemed a success by Josh McGill, show organizer for AgNet Media.
“We had a great show and some excellent seminars. The exhibitors brought out their best and had a lot of good equipment on the floor,” said McGill.
The Expo also attracted legislative leaders who spoke about agriculture’s importance and its value in the Southeast and worldwide. Florida Sen. Jay Collins and Florida Rep. Danny Alvarez discussed agriculture and its impact on legislative issues during the general session. They expressed a continued desire to support the state’s specialty crop growers.
“I grew up on a farm. I understand the impact of agriculture and our industry, but more importantly across this state and across this country. Food security is a national security,” Collins said. “When we lose the ability to feed ourselves, we lose everything. Farmers don’t complain. We need people who are willing to stand shoulder to shoulder with them and fight for the things that matter. Agriculture matters.”
The 2025 Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo will return to the Florida State Fairgrounds on Aug. 20–21.
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