A new systematic review, “Assessing the Value of Sustainability in the Citrus Supply Chain,” published in the journal Sustainability examines whether going green actually makes financial sense for citrus producers. Researchers Mariaconcetta Ganci, Mariarita Cammarata and Alessandro Scuderi from the University of Catania in Italy, along with Adriana Fazio of Colleroni LLC led the study. The research team analyzed 64 …
CUPS Continues Expansion Across Florida
Citrus under protective screen (CUPS) has been grown on a commercial scale in Florida for about a decade. The practice was adopted to exclude the Asian citrus psyllid from trees to protect them from HLB, but other benefits have been achieved like high yields and excellent quality fruit. Dundee Citrus Growers Association helped establish a mainstream approach for CUPS production. …
New Program Recognizes Farms Operating 250 Years
The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently signed a memorandum of understanding establishing the American Farm Legacy 250 Program. The new program will recognize farms with 250 years of continuous operation. The program will also provide opportunities to recognize other qualifying multigenerational farms through participating state programs. Building upon existing …
First Brazilian Variety of Caviar Lime Registered
The state of São Paulo has the first Brazilian variety of caviar lime registered in the National Register of Cultivars. Developed by the Agronomic Institute (IAC), the Faustrime cultivar was registered in 2023 and is expected to reach the market later this year. Faustrime is a hybrid of the Australian finger lime (Microcitrus australasica) crossed with a Eustis limequat. Originating …
Florida Ag Hall of Fame Seeks Nominations
The Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame is accepting nominations for 2027 inductees. The online application deadline is Aug. 1 at 5 p.m. Anyone can nominate individuals whose contributions to Florida agriculture have helped advance the industry and ensure it continues to thrive. Nominators are encouraged to submit a thorough, well-developed submission that shows the magnitude of a nominee’s contributions to …
New Hurricane Forecast Shows Further Improvement
Colorado State University (CSU) on July 8 again reduced its 2026 Atlantic basin hurricane season forecast and now anticipates a well below-normal season. “Information obtained through June indicates that the season will have activity well below the 1991–2020 average,” CSU stated. CSU estimates that 2026 will have: LOW LANDFALL PROBABILITIES “We are forecasting a well below-average probability for major hurricane …
Stepping Up Psyllid Biocontrol in California
California Citrus Research and Field Trials (CA-CRaFT) plans in Ventura County call for expanded activities and a stronger emphasis on biological control of the HLB-spreading Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) with the parasitic wasp Tamarixia radiata. In a June 23 virtual presentation, Citrus Research Board integrated pest management entomologist Ivan Milosavljevic reported that the Ventura County program will utilize self-release T. …
How To Get Started With Improving Soil Health
By Jamie D. Burrow, Taylor Livingston and Tripti Vashisth Before huanglongbing (HLB), citrus grew well in Florida because of the climate and sandy soil. Trees had strong structural roots and a wealth of feeder roots. Since the continued tree decline caused by HLB, root systems have become smaller and weaker. By improving the physio-chemical properties of the sandy soil, it …
Supreme Court Sides With Bayer in Landmark Roundup Labeling Case
The U.S. Supreme Court has handed Bayer-owned Monsanto a major legal victory in a decision that could reshape future pesticide litigation in the United States. In a 7-2 ruling, the court found that federal law prevents states from allowing failure-to-warn lawsuits against pesticide manufacturers when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved a product’s label without requiring additional warnings. …
Proposed Act to Improve H-2A Program
U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson of Pennsylvania, chair of the House Agriculture Committee, introduced the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act of 2026. The act is meant to improve the accessibility and cost of agricultural labor through the H-2A visa program. The legislation is supported by more than 400 agricultural groups. The H-2A program allows foreign workers to perform temporary agricultural jobs in …
Vitamin C Linked to Better Brain Health in Older Adults
A new study published in the journal PLOS One suggests that higher vitamin C levels in the blood are associated with healthier brain structure and stronger brain network connectivity in older adults. The research provides another reminder of the potential value of vitamin C-rich foods, including citrus fruits and juices. The study — “Plasma Vitamin C Levels Are Associated With …
Combining PGRs and OTC Is Beneficial
The June All In For Citrus podcast features Tripti Vashisth, associate center director and professor of horticultural sciences at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Citrus Research and Education Center. She discusses the benefits of combining plant growth regulators (PGRs) with trunk injection of oxytetracycline (OTC). For most Florida citrus growers, application of OTC has …
Evolution Fresh Secures OJ Supply
Evolution Fresh, a leader in the U.S. cold-pressed orange juice (OJ) market, announced it has secured its OJ supply chain for the next 18 months from California and Northern Mexico. The supply commitments ensure an uninterrupted supply of cold-pressed OJ for grocery retailers, quick-serve restaurants and institutional foodservice customers. “We have committed to pull over 60 million Valencia oranges from …
Trump Asks Congress for Additional $11 Billion in Farm Aid
President Donald Trump is asking Congress to approve more than $11 billion in additional agricultural assistance, including $10 billion in economic aid for producers across the country and another $1.1 billion specifically for Florida farmers recovering from devastating winter storms and freezes. The request is part of a larger supplemental funding package now before Congress. Florida Farm Bureau Federation President …
Scientists Speak About Long-Term HLB Solutions
The recent Florida Citrus Industry Annual Conference featured seminars from several scientists who are working on solutions to fight huanglongbing (HLB) disease. GENETIC RESEARCH Vivian Irish of Yale University presented her research on combating HLB through gene editing. She noted several promising gene-editing targets have been identified. Plans call for getting these lines planted to evaluate their resistance to HLB. …
Compost, Rootstocks and HLB
Compost-amended plots (left) had more weeds than those with no compost. A new study published in Scientific Reports examines whether repeated compost applications could improve the health and productivity of young citrus trees growing under endemic huanglongbing (HLB) conditions in Florida. Gabriel Pugina, Caroline Tardivo, Brittney Monus, Emma Dawson, Sarah Strauss and Ute Albrecht of the University of Florida Institute …
PIECES OF THE PAST: Rooted in the Indian River
By Brenda Eubanks Burnette Victor Knight was born June 5, 1929, into a family already rooted deep in the Indian River citrus industry. Friends would later say he was “born with his feet in the grove,” and for nearly eight decades he proved it. His family worked groves and cattle near Winter Beach. Knight was the sixth of seven children …
Produce Pros Under 40 Years of Age Honored
This year’s winners of the Produce Business 40 Under Forty awards include several young professionals with ties to the citrus industry. Michelle Alo, 38, is vice president of marketing at Kings River Packing, LP in California. She joined the company as director of marketing in 2022 and was promoted to her current position in 2024. She has been part of …
Drought Impacting Irrigation Needs
The next harvest season may still be months away for Florida citrus growers, but management remains a weekly duty. That involves a plethora of chores for grove owners this summer, says Matt Smith, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension agent for Lake and Orange counties. “Growers definitely need to keep irrigation in mind. And of course, …
Irrigation Maintenance Is Essential
Microjet irrigation is the top method of freeze protection for citrus trees, but its effectiveness is only realized if growers perform proper maintenance of the sprinklers before a cold event occurs. Mary Sutton, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and citrus Extension specialist, emphasized that fact during the Georgia-Florida Irrigation Expo on June 10. Sutton said growers should treat their …




















