exploitation

Citrus Australia Condemns Exploitation of Workers

Daniel CooperInternational, Labor

Citrus Australia recently stated that it condemns any exploitation of workers in horticulture. The statement followed recent media reporting, Fair Work Ombudsman (Australia’s workplace regulator) action in New South Wales (NSW) and a Victorian Supreme Court case alleging serious exploitation of horticulture workers by an unlicensed labor hire operator. Citrus Australia CEO Nathan Hancock said the allegations of worker exploitation …

Thailand

Thailand Offers Strong Opportunities for U.S. Citrus

Daniel CooperExport, International

Although Thailand’s imports of fresh oranges plummeted in 2025, a U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA FAS) report states that there are “strong opportunities” for U.S. citrus in the country. According to the report on market prospects for U.S. fresh fruit exports to Thailand, the country has a growing appetite for premium imported fruit. That appetite is driven …

field day

CITRUS NURSERY SOURCE: Citrus Field Days Set for Fall

Daniel CooperCitrus Nursery Source, Events

By Peter Chaires This fall offers Florida citrus growers several opportunities to see the latest research, evaluate new varieties and connect with researchers in the field. From open houses and variety displays to research tours and field days, these events provide a firsthand look at work that could shape the future of the citrus industry. IRREC OPEN HOUSE The University …

Expo

Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo Makes Triumphant Return to Fort Myers

Daniel CooperCitrus Expo

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 …

labor

Trade and Labor Challenge California Citrus

Daniel CooperCalifornia Corner, Labor, Trade

Trade issues and labor, both major concerns for California’s citrus industry, were among numerous topics discussed recently by Jacob Villagomez, director of governmental affairs for California Citrus Mutual. EXPORT MARKETS HARMED BY TARIFFS Villagomez said Canada is the No. 1 export market for California citrus. He described how previous tariff actions resulted in canceled orders and shipments being frozen almost overnight. …

impact

HLB Quarantine Expansions Impact California Citrus

Daniel CooperCalifornia Corner, HLB Management, Regulation

Effective immediately, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced it was expanding the HLB quarantined area in California. The action was made on Sept. 1 in cooperation with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). APHIS is adding 1 square mile to the Santa Paula quarantined area in Ventura County, which impacts 151.7 …

citrus degreening

Five Keys to Successful Citrus Degreening

Daniel CooperTip of the Week

By Mark A. Ritenour Many Florida citrus varieties reach legal maturity before developing the bright orange or yellow peel color consumers expect. As a result, fresh-market fruit often require degreening, a postharvest process that exposes harvested fruit to low concentrations of ethylene gas, a natural plant hormone that promotes chlorophyll breakdown and allows underlying yellow and orange carotenoid pigments to …

citrus black spot

Citrus Black Spot Quarantine Expanded in Florida

Daniel CooperDiseases, Florida, Regulation

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced Sept. 1 it was increasing the area quarantined for citrus black spot (CBS) in Florida. APHIS is expanding the quarantined area by adding eight sections in Charlotte County, 18 sections in Collier County, one section in Glades County, two sections in Hendry County, four sections in Lee …

people

People and Determination Exemplify Florida Citrus

Daniel CooperAwards

The 2026 Citrus Achievement Award winner Ned Hancock believes what makes Florida’s citrus industry special is its people. He said the grit and determination of growers have helped the industry weather the storm of HLB, and he’s cautiously optimistic about the future. “There is no question that citrus is a lifestyle and one big family,” Hancock said. “The people make …

permanent

Florida Citrus Permanently Protected From Development

Daniel CooperFlorida, Land

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) announced the permanent protection of more than 1,500 acres of agricultural land on four farms through its Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. Two of the protected farms include citrus. Rural lands protection easements prevent future development and allow agricultural operations to continue producing food, timber and other resources. Since its …

water

Positive Developments for California Citrus

Daniel CooperCalifornia Corner, Orange Juice, Research

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 …

Alternaria brown spot

Strategic Management of Alternaria Brown Spot and Citrus Scab

Daniel CooperCitrus Expo, Diseases

Fungal foliar diseases significantly threaten commercial citrus production by reducing fruit packout and overall crop yield. Tangerines and mandarins are highly susceptible to these pathogens, particularly Alternaria brown spot and citrus scab. In a presentation at the recent Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo, Megan Dewdney, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) plant pathologist, outlined proactive management …

canker

Canker Awareness for Cold-Hardy Citrus Region

Daniel CooperCold Hardy, Diseases

Citrus canker disease is an isolated threat in the cold-hardy citrus region that growers should remain aware of. Jonathan Oliver, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and small fruits pathologist, recently discussed the disease and its potential impact in cold-hardy citrus. “Canker has been found in Georgia, as reported several years ago. It seems to be very isolated in a …

biogas

Louis Dreyfus Company to Generate Biogas From Citrus Waste

Daniel CooperBrazil, Processing

In São Paulo, Brazil, Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) is constructing what it describes as the world’s largest industrial facility dedicated to generating biogas from citrus effluent. The project, covering more than 2 million square feet, tackles one of the orange juice processing industry’s most significant waste streams by converting organic wastewater into a source of clean, renewable energy. The facility …

Florida

Florida Citrus: Less Acreage, More Production

Daniel CooperAcreage, Florida, Production

Florida’s citrus acreage tumbled again in 2026, but the state’s citrus production increased in the 2025–26 season, according to two recent U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service reports.  LAND LOSS Results of the 2026 Commercial Citrus Inventory show total citrus acreage is 165,359 acres, down 21% from the 2025 annual survey. New plantings, at 5,200 acres, are down …

September

Sneak Peek: September 2026 Citrus Industry

Daniel CooperCitrus Expo, Sneak Peek

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 …

citrus greening

UGA Pathologist Discusses Citrus Greening and Psyllid Challenges

Daniel CooperCold Hardy, Psyllids

The most devasting disease to impact Florida citrus production is a threat to trees in the cold-hardy citrus region. Citrus greening disease has impacted Florida groves for more than 20 years and looms as a danger to trees in South Georgia, North Florida and South Alabama. While the best management strategy is prompt removal of trees, a longer-term solution is …

South African

New Approval Should Boost South African Citrus Exports to India

Daniel CooperInternational, Trade

After nearly a decade of negotiations, newly approved export conditions for South African citrus going to India have been established. The Citrus Growers’ Association (CGA) of Southern Africa and South Africa’s Department of Agriculture (DoA) announced Aug. 17 that India has approved the inclusion of additional treatment options for fresh citrus fruit from South Africa. South Africa already exports citrus …

fertilizer

Georgia Citrus Growers May Be Using Too Much Fertilizer

Daniel CooperGeorgia, Nutrition

Fertilizer recommendations for citrus are still a work in progress for University of Georgia (UGA) researchers, including Mary Sutton, UGA assistant professor and citrus Extension specialist. She discussed this topic at the recent Southeast Georgia Citrus Update in Lyons. South Georgia citrus production is still in its early stage. Fertilizer recommendations are needed for the industry’s long-term sustainability. “We’re hoping …