By Lindy Savelle
In mid-April, members of the Georgia Citrus Association (GCA) traveled to California’s Central Valley to study the systems, innovations and strategies that have made the state a powerhouse in citrus production. Our goal was clear: to bring back ideas, solutions and inspiration that can help shape the future of Georgia’s growing citrus industry.
Our group included growers, packers, Extension specialists, university researchers, commission representatives and other industry stakeholders. Over four days, we visited Kings River Packing, AC Foods and several additional operations —including groves, a nursery, packinghouses and a citrus under protective screen site. At each stop, we saw cutting-edge practices in action and heard from those who have weathered the challenges of scale, labor, pests and drought.
We also spent time at the Lindcove Research and Extension Center and met with representatives from California Citrus Mutual, the Citrus Research Board and the Citrus Clonal Protection Program. These conversations emphasized the critical importance of infrastructure in protecting a maturing citrus industry. Clean budwood systems and statewide disease detection and response plans are not optional; they are essential.
While California offers a vision of large-scale innovation, we must also acknowledge the invaluable role Florida has played in helping Georgia get its start. Florida’s citrus industry has been generous in sharing its knowledge, resources and experience. Their guidance has helped us lay a strong foundation as we shape our own path forward.
If Georgia is going to be taken seriously as a citrus-producing state, we must begin implementing the same protective measures similar to those in Florida and California. It won’t be easy, but preserving our growers’ investments, safeguarding crop health and building long-term credibility in the industry depends on it.
Throughout the trip, we exchanged ideas about plant health, pest and disease pressure, irrigation strategies, labor management and consumer-facing marketing. Many of us were particularly interested in the integration of automation and branding, both of which have elevated California citrus in global markets. Their commitment to innovation paired with a disciplined approach to quality and compliance set a benchmark we should aim to follow.
With citrus acreage in Georgia approaching 5,000 acres, it is more important than ever to learn from established players and proactively shape our future. This trip wasn’t simply a tour; it was a strategic mission. We returned with practical knowledge, fresh perspectives and a renewed sense of purpose for our work ahead.
On behalf of the GCA, I extend sincere thanks to our California hosts for their time, transparency and hospitality. I’m also grateful to our partners in Florida for their continued support and to our Georgia participants, whose dedication and passion for the future of citrus in our state made this trip meaningful and productive. Together, we move forward with vision and resolve.
Next stop: Brazil!
Lindy Savelle is the executive director of the Georgia Citrus Association.
Share this Post