(UF/IFAS) — University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension will educate growers on how to protect their crops and prepare for cold weather at the upcoming Winter Weather School. This year, the event will address winter crop protection for citrus, blueberries and ornamental plants; all of which need cold protection during severe weather. “While we have …
Reintroducing White Grapefruit to the U.S. Market
(IMG) — IMG Citrus, a family-owned, vertically integrated citrus grower, packer and shipper in Vero Beach, Florida, is reintroducing white grapefruit to the U.S. market. Most white grapefruit is exported directly from the United States to its primary market in Japan, where it maintains consistently high popularity. However, IMG Citrus will be expanding its white grapefruit consumer base to the …
Sample the Latest Citrus From UF/IFAS
(UF/IFAS) — As citrus growers, packers, processors, gift-fruit shippers and others taste, feel and smell the latest varieties from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), they hope their taste buds explode with flavor and that a fresh aroma fills the room at the Citrus Research and Education Center (CREC). These participants will get two more …
Citrus Oversupply Latest Hurdle for Florida Growers
(NSF) — Hurricane Irma continues to challenge Florida’s citrus industry. Two growing seasons separated from the September 2017 storm that flooded groves and uprooted citrus trees across the state, the industry has seen production rebound quicker than some anticipated. But now the problem is an oversupply of citrus because of fruit from other countries, and Florida growers may be forced …
Aiming to Improve Production of Florida Grapefruit
(UF/IFAS) — Dinesh Phuyal, who is pursuing a master’s degree in horticultural sciences from the University of Florida’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, recently garnered a prestigious Yara North America Crop Innovation Scholarship. The award is Phuyal’s fourth academic honor this year for his efforts to improve Florida grapefruit tree size, fruit yield and fruit quality. Phuyal studies higher …
Citrus Rootstock Guide Updates Available Online
(UF/IFAS) — Florida’s citrus growers may now access the updated Florida Citrus Rootstock Selection Guide, which is more user- and mobile-friendly. Revisions include current University of Florida rootstock horticultural traits, three new rootstocks that tolerate citrus greening and an updated bibliography. “The fourth edition of the Florida Citrus Rootstock Selection Guide has a new look and information for a comprehensive description …
Rubio Secures Funding for Citrus Greening
The Senate passed an appropriations minibus package that included critical funds for Florida secured by Senator Rubio (H.R 3055, Commerce, Justice, Science, Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, Interior, Environment, Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act of 2020). In his role on the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Rubio secured major funds for Florida’s citrus industry: $8.5 million …
Citrus Soil Health an Important Part of Overall Tree Health
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) will host a field day focused on improving citrus soil health, a topic of growing interest to researchers and growers. With the challenges of citrus greening, there is an increased need for understanding overall tree health, including the soil, Juanita Popenoe, UF/IFAS Extension multi-county agent, said. The field day …
UF/IFAS Adds Fourth Citrus Nutrition Workshop
Responding to strong grower interest, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) has added a fourth event to its roster of citrus nutrition workshops this fall. The event happens 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 8, at the UF/IFAS Extension Highlands County office in Sebring. For more information, visit citrusnutritionprogramsebring.eventbrite.com. Admission is free and …
Steam Technique Can Spell Doom for Citrus Weeds
Like many farmers nationwide, citrus growers are looking for any edge in their fight against weeds, and they’d rather use fewer chemicals to control the plants, says a University of Florida scientist. That’s because chemicals can get into groundwater, surface water and plants themselves. Weed scientist Ramdas Kanissery and his colleagues at the University of Florida Institute of Food and …
IMG Citrus Celebrates 40 Years in Business
IMG Citrus, a family-owned, vertically integrated citrus grower, packer and shipper in Vero Beach, Florida, is celebrating 40 years in business. The business began in 1979 when Michel Sallin, IMG Citrus president, traveled to Florida seeking investment opportunities in agriculture. Sallin and his wife Veronique’s first investment, 72 acres of Hamlin orange groves in Manatee County, would become the beginning …
Gov. Ron DeSantis Announces Legislation to Expedite Water Quality Improvements
Gov. Ron DeSantis announced proposed legislation for the 2020 legislative session that will expedite water quality improvements throughout Florida. The legislation incorporates recommendations of the Blue-Green Algae Task Force, which the governor created shortly after taking office to aid the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in protecting, conserving and managing the state’s natural resources. The governor made today’s announcement following …
Citrus Growers Expected to See Production Bump
Florida’s struggling citrus industry is projected to see a 3.3 percent increase in production in the newly started growing season. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, in its first citrus forecast for the 2019-2020 season that will run through July, projected Florida growers will produce enough oranges to fill 74 million of the industry-standard 90-pound boxes, which would top the 71.6 …
Commissioner Fried on the 2019-20 Citrus Forecast
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released the initial citrus crop forecast for the 2019-20 season. Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried offered the following statement: “Today’s forecast reflects the resilience of Florida’s citrus growers, dedication to the citrus industry and commitment to innovation in the face of challenges. Citrus is Florida’s signature crop, and we’re committed to supporting our citrus …
Now Seeking Nominations for the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame
Nominations are now being sought for potential inductees to the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame. Induction ceremonies are scheduled to take place on Friday, March 6, at Florida Southern College in Lakeland. The luncheon is co-sponsored by Florida Citrus Mutual and the Florida Department of Citrus. The mission of the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame is to recognize those distinguished …
Sales Leadership Changes at IMG Citrus
IMG Citrus, a family-owned, vertically-integrated citrus grower, packer, importer and shipper in Vero Beach, Florida, announced the upcoming retirement of Vice President, Veronique Sallin, after 40 years with the company. Sallin’s retirement will officially begin at the end of the 2019-2020 Florida citrus season. The company further announces the promotion of Sydney Allison to the role of director of sales. …
New Grapefruit Rootstock, Scion Experiment
The world’s peerless grapefruit grows in the Indian River Citrus District. Balanced with sugar and tart, and a thin rind for easy peeling, the fruit is sold mostly for export to European and Asian markets, where it is a high-price delicacy. But the once-thriving industry is in decline, and a plant pathogen is present in all of the state’s grapefruit …
Nutrition Kits to Help Citrus Growers
Florida’s citrus growers can soon get additional help in managing citrus greening through the newly developed University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Citrus Nutrition Program. The basis for the program is to improve the overall health and productivity of citrus groves affected by citrus greening disease by refining production practices; in particular, adjusting fertilization programs. Growers …
Federal Money Flowing to Citrus Growers
Florida has reached the halfway point in dispensing a $343 million federal grant it received for citrus growers who sustained damage in Hurricane Irma two years ago, according to Gov. Ron DeSantis. “I think that that’s been much-needed relief,” DeSantis said of the $173 million that has been distributed, mostly since he took office in January. “We’re going to continue …
Florida to Get 1,500 New Acres of Grapefruit
In recent years, the iconic Florida citrus industry has been faced with challenges from devastating citrus greening to major hurricanes pummeling the state’s fruit groves. But industry members are doubling down on their commitment to ensure citrus and juice products remain synonymous with the Sunshine State. Peace River Citrus Products and Scott Family Companies and its partners announced they will …