Nurseries Excited About New Early Valencia Orange Varieties

Kelsey FryCitrus, Citrus Greening, Genetic Engineering

By: Brad Buck GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Nurseries are very interested in two new early Valencia orange varieties from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). Growers need help because citrus greening has infected more than 80 percent of Florida’s citrus trees, according to a recent UF/IFAS survey of growers. Although these two new early Valencias are …

Rabobank

Brazilian OJ Industry ‘Challenging,’ Rabobank Reports

Daniel CooperBrazil, Orange Juice

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

Water, Education and Succession Among California Citrus Issues

Daniel CooperCalifornia Corner, Education, Water

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 …

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 …

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 …

Brix

Brix Basics for Citrus Growers

Daniel CooperOrange Juice, Production

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 …

citrus

AI Is Altering Citrus Marketing

Daniel CooperFlorida Department of Citrus, Marketing, Technology

The world of advertising and promotion is changing fast in the digital age now driven by artificial intelligence (AI). The way people seek information has shifted as AI integrates into the internet. This presents opportunities and challenges for marketers, including the Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC). The FDOC’s mission is to drive more consumption of orange juice and fresh fruit. …

consumer demand

Consumer Demand Outlook for Florida Citrus

Daniel CooperEconomics, Florida Department of Citrus

By Marisa L. Zansler The 2026–27 Florida citrus season is about to begin, making it an appropriate time to assess the outlook and consumer demand for Florida’s orange, grapefruit and specialty citrus production. For much of the past decade, industry conversations about what lies ahead for Florida citrus have, understandably, centered on its production challenges. The grip of citrus greening, …

Florida Citrus

Florida Citrus Finds New Momentum

Daniel CooperFlorida Department of Citrus

Shannon Shepp, Florida Department of Citrus executive director, recently discussed the renewed sense of optimism being felt in the Florida citrus industry due to recent positive developments. INCREASED CITRUS PRODUCTION One of the reasons for optimism is the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s final citrus forecast for the 2025–26 season. Despite weathering another challenging season, including damaging freezes, Florida orange production …

standard

California Weighs In on OJ Standard Change

Daniel CooperCalifornia Corner, Orange Juice, Regulation

Like the Florida citrus industry, California Citrus Mutual (CCM) welcomed the recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) update of the federal standard of identity for pasteurized orange juice (OJ). The action marks the first significant revision to the standard in more than 60 years and takes effect Aug. 19. The FDA reviewed consumer sensory data during its rulemaking process …

fdoc

FDA Lowers Minimum Pasteurized OJ Brix Level

Frank GilesCitrus, Oranges

Federal officials on July 17 announced a regulatory change lowering the minimum Brix requirement for pasteurized orange juice (OJ) from 10.5% to 10%. The final Food and Drug Administration rule making the change was to be published and take effect July 20. Florida Citrus Processors Association and Florida Citrus Mutual (FCM) first petitioned for the change in June 2022.  The …

OJ supply

Evolution Fresh Secures OJ Supply

Daniel CooperOrange Juice

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 …

Citrus Innovation Center

Citrus Innovation Center Creates Flavors and Fragrances

Daniel CooperResearch

When most folks think of Florida citrus, orange juice or fresh grapefruit comes to mind. Few appreciate the full diversity of the fruit hidden in its bloom, peel, juices and oils. That is where the Citrus Innovation Center comes in with high-tech approaches to extract more out of Florida’s signature crop. The 30,000-square-foot facility on the campus of Florida Polytechnic …

Florida citrus

Florida Citrus Marketing Awarded, New Plans Presented

Daniel CooperAwards, Florida Department of Citrus, Marketing

A Florida Citrus Commission (FCC) meeting was held on June 10 at the Florida Citrus Industry Annual Conference in Bonita Springs. At the meeting, Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC) Executive Director Shannon Shepp reported that the FDOC’s True Original campaign for orange juice (OJ), along with marketing agency Padilla, recently received the Best of Show award from the National Agri-Marketing …

consumer

Consumer Insights on Florida Citrus

Daniel CooperFlorida Department of Citrus

Marisa Zansler, Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC) director of economic and market research, reported on citrus economic issues at the June Florida Citrus Commission meeting. Her report included consumer perceptions and intentions. ORANGE JUICE Zansler’s reported findings regarding orange juice (OJ) included: FRESH FRUIT Zansler shared the following findings regarding fresh Florida citrus: Source: FDOC Sponsored ContentTake Advantage of Rising …

body weight

Benefits of Regularly Drinking OJ Differ by Body Weight

Daniel CooperOrange Juice, Research

The Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC) reported that a recent study suggests regular orange juice consumption may support heart health while improving blood pressure regulation, lipid metabolism and inflammation. However, benefits can differ from person to person based on body weight. This clinical intervention study examined how drinking orange juice every day affects the body at the molecular level and …

funds

FDOC Discusses How Best to Spend State Funds

Daniel CooperFlorida Department of Citrus, Marketing

The Florida Citrus Commission (FCC) met virtually on May 29 to allocate legislatively authorized state general revenue funds for Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC) marketing. The FCC, whose members are appointed by Florida’s governor, is the board that oversees the FDOC.  After the FCC previously met on May 20, the Florida Legislature concluded its work on a budget that designates …

welcome centers

OJ to Keep Flowing at Florida Welcome Centers

Daniel CooperFlorida Department of Citrus, Marketing

The Florida Citrus Commission (FCC) on May 20 approved a $250,000 contract with Visit Florida to continue providing free orange juice at Florida welcome centers on interstate highways. The FCC serves as the governing board for the Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC), which performs marketing, research and regulatory functions for the state’s citrus industry. Visit Florida, the state’s official destination …

industry

Pressures Impacting the Brazilian Citrus Industry

Daniel CooperBrazil, Production

Shifts in the international geopolitical landscape, rising logistics costs, sanitary barriers and currency fluctuations are directly impacting Brazil’s fruit industry, including citrus. The effects of these transformations were discussed during a recent edition of the Socioeconomics Debates series, hosted by Embrapa, under the theme, Brazil’s Fruit Industry: How Global Crises Impact What Reaches Your Table. Researchers, economists and production representatives …

Florida citrus

Florida Citrus Marketing Plans Presented for 2026–27

Daniel CooperFlorida Department of Citrus, Marketing

The Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC) presented marketing plans for the 2026–27 season at the May 20 meeting of the Florida Citrus Commission (FCC). The FCC serves as the FDOC’s governing board. ORANGE JUICE Florida orange juice will continue to be positioned as the original wellness drink. The marketing effort will be aimed at juice consumers and health professionals. The …