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News for citrus growers around the globe
Twenty-nine Florida agribusiness leaders graduated from Class XII of the esteemed Wedgworth Leadership Institute for Agriculture and Natural Resources. The Institute is run by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) and has been developing leaders in Florida since 1991. This milestone marks the successful completion of a rigorous two-year leadership development program designed to prepare …
A new tool has allowed researchers probe the metabolic processes occurring within the leaves, stems and roots of clementine citrus trees. The goal is to improve the yields, flavor and nutritional value of citrus and non-citrus crops. To build the tool, the team — led by the University of California San Diego (UC San Diego) researchers — focused on the …
The Citrus Growers Association (CGA) of South Africa expressed concern about newly proposed U.S. tariffs that threaten the viability of South African citrus exports to America. According to the association, a 30% tariff rate placed on South African citrus would put the industry at a significant disadvantage, since some other citrus-exporting countries face only a 10% levy. The association warned …
Production in the cold-hardy citrus region continues to be a learning process for growers. Producers in North Florida, South Georgia and South Alabama are learning this year the price of alternate bearing for their satsuma mandarin crop. After a heavy crop load last season, production is expected to taper off quite a bit this season across the cold-hardy citrus region. …
Brazil’s Center for Advanced Studies on Applied Economics (CEPEA) recently reported that the volume of Brazilian orange juice (OJ) exported in 2024–25 was historically small, but revenues set a record. CEPEA stated there was limited production of high-quality Brazilian oranges in 2024–25. As a result, the juice industry had difficulty producing juice that is compatible to standards required by international …
August signals that the Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo is soon to come! The August issue of Specialty Crop Grower magazine previews the show growers look forward to every year. The not-to-be-missed event takes place Aug. 20–21 at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa. In the Citrus Industry section of the magazine, growers can get an update on the progress …
The Citrus Research and Development Foundation (CRDF) met for its July board of directors meeting to discuss a number of research topics. According to CRDF Chief Operating Officer Rick Dantzler, Asian citrus psyllids (ACPs) were on the agenda. “The CRDF board approved funding of a proposal from Lukasz Stelinski, an entomologist and professor with the University of Florida Institute of …
By Davie Kadyampakeni, Noor Basar, Alisheikh Atta, Muhammad Shahid, Shahid Iqbal and Alan Wright Citrus trees in Florida impacted by HLB have limited nutrient uptake largely due to limited root mass, compromised physiology and extremely sandy soil. The state’s current nutrient management guidelines were developed based on data prior to the spread of HLB, when trees had dense canopies and …
By Brenda Eubanks Burnette Vero Beach was initially named “Vero” by Sarah Gifford, meaning truth in Latin. Her son, Friend Charles, succeeded his father, Henry, as postmaster for Vero and became a ticket agent when the Florida East Coast Railway established a station there in 1903. He went on to cultivate 160 acres and established the area’s first citrus grove …
U.S. Representatives María Elvira Salazar of Florida and Veronica Escobar of Texas, along with 20 other representatives, introduced the Dignity Act of 2025 on July 15. The act is a new version of the Dignity Act immigration reform bill originally introduced in May of 2023. “The Dignity Act of 2025 is a revolutionary bill that offers the solution to our …
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins recently announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Farm Security Action Plan. The plan elevates American agriculture as a key element of national security. “We’ll never let foreign adversaries control our land, our labs or our livelihoods,” Rollins said. The USDA reported that the U.S. Department of Justice recently charged foreign nationals, including …
Jake Price, University of Georgia Extension coordinator, recently wrote about cold damage from leaving fruit on trees during a freeze: Last fall, the Owari satsuma trees at J.L. Lomax produced a tremendous amount of soft fruit that became puffy very quickly. Category 2 hurricane Helene may have contributed to the fruit quality being so bad last year. With all the …
The organic citrus market in the United States experienced impressive growth in 2024, driven by rising consumer demand and increased interest in organic, sustainable food options. According to the newly released State of Organic Produce 2024, organic citrus sales hit $303 million, reflecting a 6.9% increase over the previous year. In terms of volume, the category saw a 3.4% rise, …
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA/FAS) launched a new resource to support American farmers’ access to international trade opportunities. Maximum Residue Limit Quick Reference Sheets provide information about pesticide residue requirements in major export markets for U.S. producers and shippers of fruits, vegetables and other horticultural crops. USDA FAS developed the MRL Quick Reference Sheets in partnership …
The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA) weighed in on the budget and tax bill signed into law by President Trump. According to FFVA, the recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) delivers a significant boost to the specialty crop industry, with targeted investments that will benefit growers across Florida and the country. Key provisions in the OBBBA include: …
The July All In For Citrus podcast episode focuses on the Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo. The event is scheduled for Aug. 20–21 at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa. Micheal Rogers, director of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Citrus Research and Education Center, previews a new, special educational session on alternative crops. Rogers …
Federal and state agriculture officials recently expanded the areas quarantined for citrus greening disease in California. They expanded the quarantined area in the Coto de Caza area of Orange County by 11 square miles, the Rancho Santa Margarita area of Orange County by 93 square miles, the Perris area of Riverside County by 37 square miles, and the Rancho Cucamonga …
A recent article by the São Paulo Research Foundation explains how a potent compound might aid in controlling the Asian citrus psyllid, the vector of citrus greening disease. In São Paulo, greening is managed in part by controlling the psyllid. In an attempt to manipulate psyllid behavior, a team of scientists discovered α-copaene, a molecule present in large quantities in …
Leaf tissue analysis is a key to building a good citrus fertilization program in North Florida and South Georgia, according to University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers. The researchers are Muhammad Shahid, assistant professor of horticulture, and postdoc scholar Shahid Iqbal, both with the North Florida Research and Education Center. “Leaf tissue analysis determines the …
By Sarah Strauss One of the keys to good cover crop germination, and thus the potential benefits to soil health, is timing planting with summer rains. As cover crops are planted to improve soil health and are not harvested for profit, you want them to require as little effort on your part as possible. Relying on rain for irrigation can …
