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Below you'll see everything we could locate for your search of “Florida”
Ernie Barnett, executive director of the Florida Land Council, has been named the 2026 recipient of the Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award. The award has been presented annually since 1994 to environmentally innovative growers, ranchers and others committed to protecting and preserving Florida’s resources. “Ernie Barnett has spent more than 35 years in the trenches working on Florida’s toughest land and water issues,” …
The Highlands County Board of County Commissioners has proclaimed the month of May to be Florida Orange Juice Month in Highlands County, Florida. The proclamation declared that: The proclamation encouraged all Highlands County residents and Floridians to take a Florida orange juice break and reflect on the wide range of positive impacts that this long-standing industry has had on the …
The Florida Citrus Packers (Packers) trade association has asked the Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC) to consider utilizing more of its Florida general revenue marketing dollars to promote fresh citrus from Florida. The request was made in an April 17 letter. The association, which represents packers of fresh Florida citrus, asked the FDOC to recognize that a greater percentage of …
While still early in the production season, growers in the cold-hardy citrus region are optimistic for a bumper crop this year. That optimism comes despite a mid-March freeze and prolonged drought that impacted all of the Southeast but was especially dire in South Georgia, North Florida and South Alabama. Lindy Savelle, executive director of the Georgia Citrus Association, discussed the …
Icy trees from the A.H. Whitmore Foundation Farm in Groveland during the recent Florida freezePhotos courtesy of Lennon Grove Service By Peter Chaires Emerging from the 2025 hurricane season unscathed, there was a newfound optimism in the air for Florida citrus growers. Trees were upright, fruit was on the tree, and incremental quality improvements were being reported. The industry collectively …
The Citrus Administrative Committee’s (CAC) assessment rate for fresh citrus has been increased to 2.5 cents per 4/5 bushel carton or equivalent of oranges, grapefruit, tangerines and pummelos grown in Florida. The prior assessment rate was 2 cents. The assessment increase was announced on April 29, 2026, in the Federal Register as a U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service …
By Tripti Vashisth and Taylor Livingston Florida is currently experiencing one of the most severe droughts in the past 25 years, putting HLB-affected trees under intense water stress. With Florida’s well-draining sandy soils and increased water demand in HLB-affected trees, growers are in a difficult position trying to maintain adequate tree hydration. Soil amendments, such as biochar and compost, can …
The 2026 Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo makes its return to Fort Myers on Aug. 12–13 at the waterfront Caloosa Sound Convention Center. The Luminary Hotel, the event’s host hotel, is conveniently connected to the convention center. ENJOY YOUR STAY The new venue offers several opportunities to refresh and improve the Expo. The convention center will allow educational seminars to …
The U.S. House Committee on Appropriations has included additional funds in the fiscal year 2027 Agriculture Appropriations bill for the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) citrus breeding program in Parlier, California. It is allocating an additional $500,000 in federal funding, on top of the $1.5 million previously granted, to expand the program into California. If approved, the program …
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) in cooperation with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) have expanded the area quarantined for sweet orange scab (SOS). The expansion is in the Irvine area of Orange County and in the La Puente area of Los Angeles County in California. QUARANTINE ACTIONS APHIS is expanding …
Steven Hall, executive director of the Citrus Research and Field Trial (CRAFT) Foundation, recently shared important information on the Emerging Varieties Program, freeze-damaged projects and annual audits. EMERGING VARIETIES PROGRAM Following the recent Environmental Protection Agency approval of the CarriCea T1 rootstock, CRAFT has established May 15 as the new deadline for the submission of proof of payment of royalties …
AgNet Media, publisher of Specialty Crop Grower magazine, is pleased to announce that Ned Hancock has been selected as the 2026 Citrus Achievement Award winner. Hancock and his family have been involved in the Florida citrus industry for generations. Hancock has dedicated countless hours serving in leadership roles for numerous citrus associations, including Florida Citrus Mutual’s board of directors. He …
By Megan Dewdney Algal spot is rarely a top concern for growers until it seems to be suddenly everywhere. Is the disease a major concern or a nuisance? It depends. If the disease is only in a few locations, then the management goal is making sure that the disease is not spreading too widely. If many trees are affected, the …
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced an investment of more than $90 million under Section 7721 of the Plant Protection Act to support 441 projects that will: Of the 441 projects, 421 fall under the Plant Pest and Disease Management and Disaster Prevention Program and 20 support the National Clean Plant Network. USDA will reserve approximately $17.2 million to support rapid …
Since he began growing citrus six years ago, Daryl Zelek has attended the Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo every year. He’ll be back again this year, and this time he’s bringing his wife so she can attend the vegetable seminars. The couple has already booked their stay at the Luminary Hotel and are looking forward to coming to the Caloosa …
After multiple extensions of the 2018 farm bill, significant movement on a new legislative package was achieved on April 30, when the U.S. House of Representatives approved H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026. The legislation has been viewed positively by fruit and vegetable grower interests. Matt Joyner, executive vice president and chief executive officer of …
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) recently expanded the La Mesa Mexican fruit fly (Mexfly) quarantine twice in San Diego County, California. On March 17, APHIS and CDFA expanded the quarantine following the confirmed detections on March 11 of one wild mated female Mexfly and …
How To Eradicate Fire Ants by Rodney Morrow Have you ever heard the phrase “shoot for the moon and you’ll land among the stars”? Our team recommends taking that inspirational adage to heart as you build your 2026 fire ant control plan. There’s one thing I always say to customers building a fire ant program for the first time: “The …
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is launching a new office for public-private partnerships and commercialization of its research. The Office of Strategic Partnerships & Innovation will open May 15. It will be the commercial outreach and entrepreneurial development arm of the institute. The main goals of the office will be to support faculty as …
The Florida Specialty Crop Foundation is seeking applicants for Class 16 of the Emerging Leader Development Program (ELDP). Designed for professionals ages 25 to 40, the program has graduated more than 160 participants since 2011. Its purpose is to develop leaders to be strong advocates for Florida agriculture. Through immersive sessions and direct exposure to the industry’s top leaders, participants …
