Earn continuing education units (CEUs) through Citrus Industry. Each article grants one CEU in the Core category toward the renewal of a Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services restricted-use pesticide license when the accompanying test is submitted and approved. The following series of articles and tests are available with their expiration dates noted: 2025 #4: Using Pesticides Safely (11/2/26) …
Sneak Peek: October 2026 Citrus Industry
The October issue of Specialty Crop Grower magazine features citrus research updates, industry developments and more. Coverage ranges from a grapefruit disorder to citrus breeding efforts to rebuilding Florida’s production. The Citrus Industry section, begins on page 22 with “Unraveling the greasy-green mystery in Florida grapefruit,” by Megan M. Dewdney, Eva L. Mulandesa and Mark A. Ritenour. University of Florida …
Florida Citrus Media Efforts and Plan Addressed
The Florida Department of Citrus’ (FDOC) global marketing team on Sept. 16 told the Florida Citrus Commission (FCC) about media activity and shared future social media plans. The FCC is the FDOC’s governing board. CITRUS IN THE MEDIA The team reported strong momentum for Florida citrus in the media, with consumers and across the industry. It shared a media audit …
PIECES OF THE PAST: More Than a Century of Citrus Commitment
By Brenda Eubanks Burnette I was driving past the Latt Maxcy Corporation recently and found myself remembering when I first met Pat and Patricia Wilson. Pat carried a quiet authority — steady and observant, with a twinkle in his eyes. But the person who truly commanded the room was his petite wife, Patricia. Her energy and determination were unmistakable, and …
Brazilian OJ Industry ‘Challenging,’ Rabobank Reports
According to a September 2026 Rabobank report, the current environment for Brazilian orange juice (OJ) remains challenging for both farmers and the industry, with prices still low but starting to show some slightly positive signs. It reported that spot orange prices for the industry increased from BRL 25/box (approximately $4.30/box in U.S. dollars) in May to BRL 31/box (approximately $6.03/box …
Water, Education and Succession Among California Citrus Issues
Water, education of politicians and consumers, California’s next governor and farm succession were among citrus-related topics addressed recently by Jacob Villagomez, director of governmental affairs for California Citrus Mutual. WATER Water remains one of the industry’s biggest concerns, according to Villagomez. He said California’s increasingly intense heat can stress citrus trees, contribute to leaf curling, cause sunburn-related scarring and sometimes …
CRAFT Announces Royalty Reimbursement
The Citrus Research and Field Trial (CRAFT) Foundation recently announced the addition of a royalty reimbursement component to Cycle Eight, along with other updates. GROWER ASSISTANCE The royalty reimbursement provides growers with additional assistance to help offset the cost of planting eligible citrus trees and utilizing eligible biological delivery technologies that require a royalty payment. This new opportunity expands on …
Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo Makes Triumphant Return to Fort Myers
By Tacy Callies, Clint Thompson and Frank Giles The Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo provided vital information to steer growers to long-term sustainability. After a brief stint in Tampa, the annual event returned home to Fort Myers, Florida, its original location. Citrus and specialty crop growers, along with vendors and industry specialists, convened Aug. 12–13 at the Caloosa Sound Convention …
Ag Tech Solutions Sought for California Crops
Applications are open through Sept. 18 for University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Connect (UC ANR Connect), a grower-informed commercialization program for agriculture technology. Selected companies in the program receive commercialization support, direct feedback from California growers and agricultural professionals, industry connections and the opportunity to demonstrate technology live at a field day. UC ANR Connect is operated by …
Positive Developments for California Citrus
Jacob Villagomez, director of governmental affairs for California Citrus Mutual, recently discussed developments that could benefit California citrus growers. Among the topics he addressed in the AgNet News Hour podcast were the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) recent modernization of the federal standard of identity for pasteurized orange juice (OJ) and HLB research in California. STANDARD OF IDENTITY FOR …
PIECES OF THE PAST: Influential Father and Son Leave a Legacy of Leadership
By Brenda Eubanks Burnette The old Nevins Fruit Company packinghouse was located on Parrish Road in Titusville, Florida. Its vast packing floor — more than 31,000 square feet with a mezzanine nearly half that size — once echoed with machinery, laughter and the sweet perfume of freshly picked fruit. It was one of the most influential packinghouses in North Brevard, …
Sneak Peek: September 2026 Citrus Industry
A feature full of highlights from the Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo is the cover story of the September issue of Specialty Crop Grower magazine. The Expo returned to Fort Myers Aug. 12–13 and hit a home run at its new venue. Growers flocked to the Caloosa Sound Convention Center and Luminary Hotel for two days of learning, connecting and …
USDA Battles Numerous Citrus Diseases
Although huanglongbing (HLB) disease was highlighted in the citrus section of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s (USDA APHIS) recent PPQ (Plant Protection and Quarantine) 2025 Annual Report, the report also noted efforts against other citrus diseases. Those diseases include citrus canker, citrus yellow vein clearing virus, sweet orange scab and citrus black spot. The …
Disaster Relief Deadline Extended; Farmer Flexibility Increased
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is extending the deadline for farmers to apply for Stages 1 and 2 of the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) to Sept. 30. Additionally, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is providing greater flexibility for farmers who experienced quality losses on eligible crops. When applying for this program, farmers who experienced quality-related discounts can use verifiable and reliable documentation to …
Brix Basics for Citrus Growers
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) recently published “Brix Basics: Where Plant Sugars Come From and Why They Matter.” Edwin Gutierrez Rodriguez, UF/IFAS citrus Extension agent for DeSoto, Hardee and Manatee counties, authored the article. Edited excerpts follow: Degrees Brix is the measurement of the total dissolved solids in a liquid, based on how much …
New Product Registered to Aid in the Fight Against Citrus Greening
Silvec Biologics Inc. has announced that its RNA-based therapy-delivery product is registered for unconditional commercial use under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act. The product is registered under the name Construct CTV-SoD2. “A new tool is now available to help strengthen citrus tree health and support the future of Florida’s citrus industry,” said Matt Joyner, executive vice …
CRAFT Now Accepting Applications
The Citrus Research and Field Trial (CRAFT) Foundation has announced that applications are now open for Traditional New Plantings Cycle Eight and Existing Tree Therapies (ETT) Round Five. TRADITIONAL NEW PLANTINGS This program evaluates grower-selected rootstock and scion combinations under commercial growing conditions. EXISTING TREE THERAPIES This program evaluates therapeutic treatments designed to improve the health and productivity of mature …
New Research Tool Could Speed Search for HLB Treatments
A new research platform may help scientists identify potential treatments for citrus greening disease faster, potentially speeding up the search for solutions. Citrus greening, also known as huanglongbing (HLB), is caused by the bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas). The disease disrupts the tree’s ability to transport nutrients, leading to symptoms such as blotchy leaves, small and misshapen fruit, poor juice …
Sneak Peek: August 2026 Citrus Industry
The Citrus Industry section of the August issue of Specialty Crop Grower magazine features practical production advice, a new variety resource, citrus marketing insights and more. The section opens with a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) article explaining crop load management and alternate bearing in citrus. Fernando Alferez and Muhammad A. Shahid discuss why citrus …